"Stop the heating ideology": Master optician Franz Widmann demonstrated in Erding's old town. On Saturday, June 10, there will be a big demonstration. © Hans Moritz
Five-digit visitor numbers are expected at the "heating ideology" demonstration on June 10 in Erding. The list of speakers is secret - but a few names have already been decided.
Erding – At first it was only a one-man demo, but now there will be thousands of participants in the new edition. Franz Widmann, a master optician from Erdingen, had demonstrated against the "Green Heating Ideology" and got into conversation with a few people, including the cabaret artist Monika Gruber, who encouraged him to hold a rally in the city centre. But in the meantime, the response has become so great that the demo, which starts on Saturday at 10 a.m., has been moved to the Erdinger Volksfestplatz. "Anyone who is worried, everyone who is affected, would have to be restless about the Habeck plans," says Widmann.
"I feel like a catalyst here. I wouldn't have thought that the demo would make such waves, but if you have the reach of Moni Gruber, then it's just another dimension." Initially, when he applied for permission from the district office, he indicated 200 participants. "Then 2000, 4000 and finally 6000," says Widmann. "Moni expects 8000,<>, the district office even with a five-digit number." For example, the rally has been moved from Schrannenplatz to the Volksfestplatz on the outskirts of the city, where there is enough space. The district office confirms that it was "not a forced transfer". "Due to the many inquiries to the district office, the city and the police, as well as the echo in the social media, it can be assumed that the meeting will also attract many participants nationwide," says press spokesman Markus Hautmann.
Erding's police chief is quite relaxed about the demonstration. "We are well prepared and have been planning the operation for 14 days in cooperation with the chairman of the meeting and the responsible authorities," explains Rainer Kroschwald. He does not want to give exact figures on how many emergency personnel will be on site, but says: "It will be a big operation."
Who will speak is still a mystery. "We don't want to put any pressure on the speakers," says Widmann. Günther Felßner, President of the Bavarian Farmers' Association, has already announced his appearance. Bavaria's FDP leader Martin Hagen and Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters) confirmed to our newspaper that they will talk. Monika Gruber and Franz Widmann will welcome the guests.