As of: February 26, 2024, 12:23 p.m
By: Mahi Kola
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Around 2,000 people lined Kaiser-Max-Straße last Saturday and advocated peaceful coexistence, diversity and solidarity.
© Mahi Kola
Around 2,000 people demonstrated against right-wing extremism in Kaufbeuren on Saturday afternoon, sending a clear signal for democracy.
The newly founded Kaufbeuren group “Grandmas against the Right” and the action alliance “Kaufbeuren against the Right” invited people to the demonstration.
The protests were peaceful and without incident.
Please note our photo series at the end of the article.
Kaufbeuren – The protest march through the old town was characterized by a peaceful atmosphere.
People held signs and marched side by side.
“It is the largest demonstration in Kaufbeuren since I have been in office,” noted Mayor Stefan Bosse at the final rally in front of the town hall.
Kaufbeuren shows its colors: proud Mayor Bosse
As mayor, he is “proud that Kaufbeuren is showing its colors”.
Many people are “feared for democracy”.
The people's omnipresent uncertainty and disorientation are being “exploited” by enemies of the constitution instead of finding solutions together.
“Different positions are also part of democracy,” explained Bosse, “but the basis of our coexistence must not be attacked.”
Right-wing extremist movements “stir up hatred and fear” – it is all the more important to “take to the streets and reflect on what defines us: the free, democratic basic order, based on the inviolable dignity of every human being,” said Bosse in clear words .
“The people who have gathered here today are sending a clear signal of solidarity and against the division in urban society.”
“Take a stand against Nazi propaganda”
Nathan Lüders from the action alliance “Kaufbeuren Against the Right” also called for an active and alert civil society.
In everyday life it is also important to “stand up against right-wing agitation, say no, take a stand,” because “there is a right to freedom of expression, but not to Nazi propaganda,” said Lüders.
Wolfgang Neumayer, chairman of Lebenshilfe Ostallgäu, highlighted the diversity of people in his speech.
“It is normal that we are all different.
Right-wing radicals reject differences, individuality and freedom,” Neumayer appealed to people to take a decisive stand against this and to vote for democratic parties as the “sharpest sword” against right-wing extremism.
At the end of the rally, people sang “Bella Ciao” and “Das Bürgerlied” by Hannes Wader together.