As of: February 27, 2024, 5:00 p.m
By: Bastian Amann
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Around 300 people from Neufahrn gathered in the center of town to demonstrate for democracy and against right-wing extremism.
© Lehmann
Around 300 citizens demonstrated in Neufahrn on Monday against right-wing extremism, hatred and incitement.
It wasn't just the three town hall heads who found clear words.
Neufahrn
– Dr.
Claudia Pfrang, director of the Domberg Academy, hit the nail on the head in her speech: “It is important that people take to the streets not only in the big cities, but also in the countryside.” And so they gathered on Early Monday evening, 300 people from Neufahrn came to the market square to set “light signals for democracy and human rights” – and thus also against right-wing extremism, hatred and agitation.
A broad alliance of civil society, churches and parties called for the 45-minute demonstration in the center of the town.
As elsewhere in Germany, people from Neufahrn should bring LED lamps or cell phones with them in order to “light up” impressively.
Some visitors simply hung a chain of lights around their necks.
People clapped or sang together - for example at the beginning, when Christina Brandl-Bommer's band had rewritten the song "The Lion sleeps tonight" into "Hoit ma zamma".
Meeting leader Ralf Heim explained: “It only works together.
We must not allow ourselves to be divided into one corner or the other.”
Trio of mayors speaks plainly: (from left, middle) Josef Eschlwech, Franz Heilmeier and Ozan Iyibas at the light sign demo on the market square.
© Lehmann
In order to underline the non-partisan nature of the event, town hall boss Franz Heilmeier (Greens) and his two deputies Josef Eschlwech (Free Voters) and Ozan Iyibas (CSU) had worked out a joint speech.
Heilmeier explained that “the three of us are countering the mood of malice and mutual contempt with a statement.”
The “common concern for our country” makes this unavoidable.
Eschlwech added that today, from certain quarters, one is confronted with an ideology “that is reminiscent of dark chapters.”
We must defend ourselves against this “attack on democratic values”.
Iyibas demanded that it is now important to “show the flag against racist, xenophobic and homophobic ideas.”
The increasing number of refugees is an issue that should not be overlooked, but “it cannot be misused for political games.”
At the end of her contribution, Claudia Pfrang hoped for the “power of 1000 lights”.
One should not remain the silent majority, but must speak out clearly.
Because: “Never again is now!”.
Just over a month ago, 4,000 people demonstrated for democracy in Freising.
The police chief draws a positive conclusion - even though the actual attendance far exceeded the number of registered participants.