As of: January 29, 2024, 4:00 p.m
By: Elisabeth Hütter
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Sent a clear signal against right-wing extremism: In Memmingen last Saturday, several thousand participants took to the streets to demonstrate for democracy and a diverse Germany.
© Elisabeth Hütter
Memmingen - According to the police, 3,300 citizens gathered under the motto “Never again is now” to send a clear signal against right-wing extremism and for a diverse Germany.
The organizers estimated the number of participants at over 4,000 people.
After the main rally at Memmingen's market square, the demonstrators marched through the city center to the memorial of the synagogue that was destroyed in 1938.
The square was full of people, flags and posters who spoke out for a colorful Memmingen.
The Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights counted 46 associations, clubs and organizations among its supporters.
The event was organized by Stephanie Hoffmann, Rupert Reisinger, Felix Schachenmeyer, Maria Zarkadas, Delia Bauen and Tobias Hefele.
Demonstrated for a cosmopolitan, tolerant and diverse society
Since information became known through the research network Correctiv about a meeting in Potsdam, which was attended by AfD politicians and right-wing extremists, among others, this has prompted many people to take action and make their voices loud on the streets.
In Memmingen there were also demonstrations for a cosmopolitan, tolerant and diverse society and for the preservation of our democratic values.
A symbol of democracy and humanity
“We are sending an important signal today.
A symbol of democracy, a symbol of humanity and a symbol of what we stand for in Memmingen.
We in Memmingen are colorful,” emphasized Mayor Jan Rothenbacher.
40 percent of Memmingen's residents (around 20,000 people) are people with a migration history and have become a valuable part of society.
Defend the free, democratic basic order
Myriam Gammer from the Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights appealed to “defend our free, democratic basic order”.
Caner Yener, member of the Alevi community in Memmingen and Christoph Schieder, dean of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Memmingen Deanery, spoke out in favor of a humanistic, open worldview.
“Racism, extremism and ethnic thinking have no place in our society,” says Christoph Schieder.
Maria Zarkadas, herself the child of immigrant parents, shared her personal experiences and encouraged people to work together.
Respectful dialogue between different cultures and faiths
In addition to the organizers, who were overwhelmed by the number of participants, Acelya Kul from the Turkish Muslim community also spoke: “We believe in the diversity of our society and that respectful dialogue between different cultures and faiths is beneficial for the common good. “Integration is a process that is passed on from generation to generation and that one would be proud to be an integral part of this country.
“Together we can shape a society that is characterized by solidarity, understanding and cohesion,” says Acelya Kul.
Luca Kleibel spoke as a representative of Memminger Pride and focused attention on the danger of discrimination against queer people.
He sees a threat from the AfD, which describes same-sex marriages and families as abnormal and would abolish legal equality.
“We are the broad civil society that stands up for dignity, for respect and for humanity.”
Felix Schachenmeyer
Felix Schachenmeyer opened his speech with the words: “Look around!
There are probably a lot of people around you who you might not otherwise be on the street with about other topics.
We who are here today are diverse.
We come from a wide variety of organizations.
We come from different groups, from different social backgrounds and also from different countries.
We have different opinions and that's why it's so incredible that we're standing here together today." There's a lot that worries people and it would be easier to turn away and stop looking.
It would be easy to believe that the AfD's offers would be an alternative.
“We all have to recognize: This is an attack on our society.
This is an attack on our democracy.
The AfD in particular is incredibly happy to claim this democracy for itself.” It would propagate the conspiracy theory of a “big exchange” and warn opponents that they have to be prepared for what is coming.
The AfD is thoroughly anti-democratic.
He called for a future that offers solutions and encouragement and strengthens a democratic society with constructive visions.
“We are the broad civil society that stands up for dignity, for respect and for humanity.”
The rally at the market square ended with a sea of lights and the song “Hevenu Shalom Alechem” (We want peace) sung together.
The participants then walked through the city center to the memorial of the former synagogue in Memmingen.
Visit the Memminger KURIER on Facebook too!