Radical Ideologies - Thuringia's Interior Minister: Right-wing extremists flourish like mushrooms.
Thuringia's Interior Minister, Georg Maier, has painted a vivid picture of the challenges in combating right-wing extremism in his state using an analogy. "We've dismantled Nazi structures, and many neo-Nazis are now behind bars. But that's like mushrooms in the forest. When it rains, new sprouts pop up everywhere," said the SPD politician at a gathering in Erfurt.
He went on to describe the interconnected nature of right-wing structures, which he likened to a "root system," and the current rise of extremist parties. "The AfD has gained power, built structures, has money, receives donations, and has never existed in such a size and network before," Maier added. He spoke at an event on 'Political Extremism' at the 103rd Catholic Convention, a religious gathering that took place in Erfurt.
On the issue of protecting politicians facing attacks from right-wing extremists, Maier said, "We can't afford to give each local politician threatened with police protection their own security detail." The police aren't enough to protect democracy; it's the role of fellow democrats to do so. "It starts at the front door," Maier noted, "when your neighbor spouts nonsense. You need to raise your voice."
The minister didn't escape responsibility either. "It's not easy to provide total protection, but it's my job and responsibility."
A recent incident in Thuringia shockingly drew attention beyond the state. Unknown perpetrators set fire to the wooden house of a local politician named Michael Müller in the Gotha district. Müller had organized a demonstration against the right in that town. Thankfully, the family staying at Müller's house at the time of the fire, including a baby, was able to escape. The facade and car of the host family were damaged in the fire. A special police commission is looking into the case, and the public prosecutor's office is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the culprits.
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Georg Maier, the Interior Minister of Thuringia, emphasized the persistent issue of right-wing extremism, comparing its prevalence to mushrooms growing in a forest after rain. Maier, who is a member of the SPD, voiced concern over the rise of right-wing structures, likening them to a complex root system that enables the expansion of extremist parties such as the AfD, which had gained significant power and resources.
Maier underlined the collective responsibility of fellow democrats in protecting democracy, stressing that it begins with challenging extremist views in everyday conversations. He acknowledged his role in ensuring necessary protection measures, despite the challenges that come with providing complete security.
The minister's comments gained further significance in light of a recent arson attack on a local politician, Michael Müller, in Gotha. Müller, who had organized a demonstration against right-wing extremism, had his house set on fire, luckily enabling the residents, including a baby, to escape safely. The incident sparked a special police commission and a public call for information leading to the identification of the perpetrators.
Moreover, the Thuringian minister attended the 103rd Catholic Convention, an event in Erfurt, to discuss political extremism along with its potential threats to democracy. This convention served as an additional platform for shining a light on the challenges facing Germany and society as a whole in the fight against extremism.
