As of: February 15, 2024, 5:23 p.m
By: Dominik Stallein
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Martin Lorenz is one of the organizers of the Wolfratshausen demo against right-wing extremism.
As on Munich's Theresienwiese (left), lights will also shine on Marienplatz in Loisachstadt as a sign against right-wing extremism.
© Lukas Barth/afp;
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On Friday evening a light demonstration will take place through Wolfratshausen.
The participants will listen to him: Martin Lorenz.
The 40-year-old appears as a speaker.
Wolfratshausen – 300 lights should burn in the city at 6 p.m.
Gladly more if Martin Lorenz has his way.
The mathematics and religion teacher is planning a demonstration against the burgeoning right-wing extremism.
This Friday, a bright protest procession - with candles, lanterns, flashlights or high-visibility vests - is marching across the Old Town Ring.
The 40-year-old was born in Poland and has lived in Germany for 37 years.
For a long time he thought that there was no one who would question that he belonged here.
Then there were reports of the meeting of right-wing extremists in Potsdam - and Lorenz decided that he wanted to protest.
We spoke to him.
Mr. Lorenz, are you excited?
Martin Lorenz:
It has calmed down a little bit now.
When we registered the demo, it was worse.
But I can feel quite a bit of excitement when I think about Friday evening.
It is the first time for me to appear politically like this.
And my role in organizing the protest is much more central than I first thought.
Does the attention bother you?
Martin Lorenz:
No.
At least not in my opinion.
I absolutely stand by the thoughts behind the demo, the worldview.
I want to do something to prevent right-wing extremist ideas.
I don't want to remain silent when there are discussions, like at the secret meeting of right-wing extremists.
I can't accept something like that.
I felt like I had to do something myself.
And yes, also out of personal concern.
I've lived in Germany since I was three years old - and even I wouldn't be sure if these plans were implemented.
That's crazy.
That's why I will also speak at the event.
As a potentially affected person? You were born in Poland.
Martin Lorenz:
I speak as a very, very small part of a huge population group that would be affected.
This is where you can see the extent of these thoughts: it concerns - at least that's what research says - about a third of the people who live in Germany.
When it comes to remigration, we are no longer talking about one or two criminals who are in the country illegally.
We are talking about a huge number that should be deported.
And yes: I would also be included in this.
I don't think I would be the first person to think of when you hear the word "deportation."
Are you protesting out of personal concern?
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Martin Lorenz:
I've already heard that accusation.
This annoys me and I defend myself against it.
Who is accusing you of this?
Martin Lorenz:
Such debates primarily take place on the Internet.
It worries me that constructive discourse is what makes our democracy possible, but so many people have forgotten how to do it.
We have forgotten how to treat each other with respect.
When someone says something, they are bombarded with insults from those who think differently online.
One might get the idea that there are only extremes on both sides and nothing in between.
The majority are different, I'm sure.
But she is silent.
I think: silence is not an opinion.
Sometimes you have to open your mouth.
You said that you defend yourself against the suggestion that you are organizing the demonstration out of personal concern. Why?
Martin Lorenz:
Because it's just not true that it's about me.
I don't think I'm particularly at risk either.
But I don't want to live in a country where people are divided into different classes.
I am a convinced, devout Christian and I believe in - no, I know about - equality between people.
And that's what it's all about for me when I get involved in the team that organizes the demonstration.
Because every person is worth the same.
And that a person's place of birth means nothing.
How many people are organizing the demo?
Martin Lorenz:
We are currently six active people.
Two more recently joined because they wanted to get involved when they read about the demo.
I really enjoyed that.
How have the last few days been for you?
Martin Lorenz:
Actually, the most important pillars of the demo were already organized.
Mr. Schmidt (Dr. Hans Schmidt, Green Party city councilor, editor's note) registered the demo.
We came up with a plan of what we wanted to do and decided on the route for the light procession.
But there were a few little things I had to take care of at short notice.
For example, I bought candles for people who didn't have their own.
And I worked on my speech.
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Do you already know what you want to say?
Martin Lorenz:
I'm not quite finished yet, no.
But of course it will also be about me and my situation.
And that I cannot and do not want to accept these inhumane thoughts and things.
How many people are you expecting?
Martin Lorenz:
We originally planned for 100 participants.
But after the first reactions, we quickly realized that there would definitely be a few more.
I think 300 is a good estimate.
If there are more, I'll be happy of course.
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The protest “We together for democracy” starts at 6 p.m. at Marienplatz in Wolfratshausen.