Democracy-Mobile sets its sights on Spremberg - Mobile Democracy to Arrive in Spremberg
In the picturesque town of Spremberg, nestled in the Spree-Neiße district of Brandenburg, a battle against far-right extremism is being waged. The town, which has seen around 30,000 visitors flock to its annual Spremberg Heimatfest, is currently grappling with a rise in extreme right-wing movements.
The mayor, Christine Herntier, has publicly warned about the surge in extreme right-wing activities, stating that the city is under attack by right-wing structures who deliberately inundate the local population with their ideology[1][4]. This situation mirrors a broader regional trend: eastern German states, including Brandenburg, have experienced significant gains by far-right political parties like the AfD and BSW, which promote xenophobic, authoritarian, and antisemitic agendas[2].
The regional context has normalised the far right in parts of eastern Germany, with elections revealing high support for parties hostile to democracy. This has escalated social tensions and created an environment described as oscillating between ignorance and hostility, especially toward Jewish communities—who face heightened threats from far-right violence in East Germany[2].
In response, local efforts include public warnings by officials, such as the mayor’s "letter of fire," intending to raise awareness and mobilize the community against extremism[1]. Beyond rhetoric, Saxony and neighbouring states have sustained support for volunteers crucial to social cohesion through financial allowances. This funding helps maintain community projects in areas like youth work, culture, and sport, which are seen as vital for resilience against extremist influences[4].
As the town prepares for its Heimatfest, another initiative is set to arrive in Spremberg: the Democracy on Wheels info-mobile. Scheduled to be in Spremberg from 1st August, the initiative aims to support efforts against far-right ideology[3][5]. The city has announced the arrival of this initiative, which is part of the Tolerant Brandenburg alliance's efforts to combat extremism[6].
The Democracy on Wheels info-mobile will be in Spremberg a week before the Heimatfest, from 8th to 11th August. This initiative is another step in the town's ongoing battle against far-right extremism, a challenge that combines political, social, and security dimensions that local leaders and communities continue to address within a difficult regional and historical context[1][2][4].
| Aspect | Description | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | History | Spremberg has been increasingly targeted by right-wing extremist groups, reflective of a broader rise in far-right politics in East Germany.| | Current Issues | Right-wing extremists overwhelm city with propaganda; local Jewish communities face hostility; far-right parties hold significant influence politically.| | Efforts to Combat | Mayor’s public warnings and activism; social cohesion fostered by volunteer support funded by government allowances; vigilance by civil society. | | Upcoming Initiatives | Democracy on Wheels info-mobile arriving in Spremberg from 1st August; Heimatfest scheduled from 8th to 11th August. |
- In light of the surge in far-right activities in Spremberg, the Community policy should address the deliberate inundation of the local population with extremist ideology.
- Given the normalization of the far right in parts of eastern Germany, it is crucial to incorporate the global news on war-and-conflicts, politics, general-news, and crime-and-justice into employment policies to educate workers and promote social cohesion.
