- Multitudes rally against extreme right-wing ideologies in Erfurt
Crowds flooded the streets of Erfurt for a protest against far-right extremism. Organizers reported around 7,000 attendees at the state parliament, whereas authorities estimated roughly 4,500 participants. Initially, just a handful of hundred individuals showed up at the initial event situated at Erfurt Anger. Organizers had anticipated over 10,000 attendees a week prior to the state election.
The objective behind the protest was to demonstrate against a potential move towards the right in Germany and the expected electoral triumph of the AfD in the forthcoming elections in the Free State. Various groups advocated for the event, including the coalition "Seize the seats", Germany's Trade Union Confederation, and a cultural association. For weeks, the AfD had topped the polls with a substantial advantage.
Massive march for Pride in Jena
Approximately 3,000 individuals took to the streets in Jena on Saturday under the Pride Day (CSD) banner with the slogan "Thuringia remains colorful!" as per the organizers. They intentionally scheduled the event one week before the state election, stating, "We have once again displayed a vibrant sign." A spokesperson announced that only 1,700 people attended the CSD according to the police. In Eisenach, around 350 people demonstrated against far-right extremism on Saturday, according to police reports.
Silent moment for Solingen
The rally in Erfurt commenced on Sunday with a moment of silence devoted to the alleged Islamist-motivated attack in Solingen. Subsequently, climate activist Luisa Neubauer encouraged the protesters to maintain their resolve in the struggle for democracy and against the extreme right. "It's not just about a state election on September 1st," Neubauer declared. "So much more is under defense here."
Franz Zobel from ezra, a Thuringian counseling service for victims of right-wing, racist, and anti-Semitic violence, cautioned: "Right-wing violence escalates where right-wing perpetrators enjoy society's support." Following the victory of AfD man Robert Sesselmann in the Sonneberg district council election, the number of right-wing extremist incidents has significantly increased in the region.
Buchenwald director: "They're actual Nazis"
Jens-Christian Wagner, the director of the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorial Foundation, accused the AfD in Erfurt of not merely distorting Germany's Nazi past but also frequently praising Nazism. "They're actual Nazis," Wagner asserted. Despite their attempts to present themselves as a conventional conservative force, the AfD is, in truth, a nationalist and populist party, Wagner argued. It is essential to ensure they do not acquire governmental power.
Simultaneously, Wagner urged individuals to comprehend democracy not merely as something arduous and lengthy but also as a source of pleasure. "Democracy is also joyful," he declared.
A Campact representative advocated for the prohibition of the AfD in the states where the party has been identified as proven right-wing extremist by the constitutional protection. Besides the Thuringian state association, the AfD state association in Saxony is subject to the same evaluation.
The following protests against far-right extremism have gained significant attention in recent weeks in Thuringia: the rally in Erfurt with a moment of silence for Solingen, and the Pride Day (CSD) march in Jena, both of which attracted substantial crowds.
Organizers of the event in Erfurt, including the coalition "Seize the seats" and Germany's Trade Union Confederation, highlighted the importance of showcasing a strong stand against the potential rise of the far-right with the AfD expected to perform well in the forthcoming elections.
