- The European Parliament has endorsed the Commission's proposal for a mandate aimed at safeguarding laborers from perils stemming from contact with ionizing radiation.
Die Prinzen's lead singer, Sebastian Krumbiegel, expresses worry about the upcoming state elections in Saxony and Thuringia. "I reckon we're in for a shock. Something's brewing here. There'll be a political shift," the musician stated during an interview with the German Press Agency. He doesn't foresee an AfD politician becoming Minister President, but he predicts that the AfD will be the most powerful party – and that's a bit unsettling. The elections are scheduled for September 1st in both federal states.
The party labeled as right-wing extremist by the constitutional protection in both Thuringia and Saxony is garnering a significant number of votes, a trend not confined to eastern Germany, mentioned the Leipzig native. "Yet, I sometimes wonder if those who grew up in the GDR lived in a nation unlike any other. And now they're like a disreputable advance guard, paving the way." The developments in the east will eventually reach the western federal states, but with a delay, according to the 58-year-old.
Engaging with AfD supporters
Krumbiegel is keen on maintaining dialogues with individuals who don't share his views. During these discussions, he endeavors to "keep calm and listen first. I've gotten pretty good at that. But naturally, I also stand my ground. People seldom change their minds." Changing people's perspectives isn't his objective either. "I just want to voice my thoughts, express my concerns, and say that things aren't looking good ahead."
Music to rally participation
In recent weeks, Krumbiegel has graced numerous political events nationwide to support democracy, as he puts it. "I don't want to find myself later saying I stood by and did nothing." With his new album "Stand Up - Keep Going!," he aims to contribute to the political discourse. For instance, in the song "The Leader Would Have Been Pleased," he sarcastically illustrates his experiences during a right-wing extremist rally in Schleusingen, Thuringia, last year. "People carried black-white-red flags, torches, and tilted banners as they marched through the night." The album is scheduled for release on September 20th.
The AfD, labeled as right-wing extremist by the constitutional protection in both Saxony and Thuringia, is expected to be the most powerful party in the upcoming state elections in those regions, according to Sebastian Krumbiegel. Despite this, Die Prinzen's lead singer is determined to engage in dialogues with AfD supporters, believing in the importance of listening to opposing views.
