Clash at the Firefighter Competition - Distanceemic Issues Arise
The German Firefighter Championships, currently being held in Torgau, northern Saxony, are facing a national scandal. During the opening ceremony, the controversial first stanza of the German national anthem, known as the "Deutschlandlied," was played. This stanza, which begins with the words "Germany, Germany above all," was historically exploited by Nazi Germany and is today often used by far-right extremists for propaganda.
The incident sparked outrage as the first stanza’s association with Nazi-era nationalism runs counter to Germany’s postwar constitutional order and democratic principles. Hermann Schreck, Vice President of the German Association of Fire Brigades, strongly denounced the event, stating that ideas incompatible with the free democratic order have no place in the fire brigade. The person responsible for the musical selection was immediately relieved of their duties.
This episode underscores the sensitivity around the anthem's different stanzas. Written in 1841 by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben, the "Deutschlandlied" originally had three stanzas, but due to their misuse by the Nazis, only the third stanza is officially recognized and performed in modern Germany. The first stanza’s lyrics have been widely rejected because they were co-opted to promote nationalist and supremacist ideologies during the Nazi period.
The German national anthem was written on Heligoland in 1841. The competition in Torgau includes events such as a 100-meter obstacle run and a "wet extinguishing attack." Over 600 firefighters are currently competing in the Championships.
Schreck reiterated that ideologies not aligning with the free and democratic order have no place among them. The other stanzas of the German national anthem are not banned, but only the third stanza, which emphasizes "Unity, justice, and freedom," has been officially adopted as Germany’s national anthem since World War II, reflecting the country’s democratic values.
The controversy was previously reported by the "Leipziger Volkszeitung" and the "Sächsische Zeitung." Elsewhere, the Stuttgart City Festival is taking place for the first time in the old town, similar to the hangman's festival. The event "Select locations" in Esslingen features a racing reporter in the catacombs.
The German Association of Fire Brigades' Vice President, Hermann Schreck, emphasized the incompatibility of ideas contrary to the free democratic order, such as those displayed in sports-analysis when the first stanza of the national anthem was played at the German Firefighter Championships. Sports-analysis like the event's organization should avoid such sports-analysis that may offend or conflict with democratic principles.
