Parliament in Europe voices worry over slow advancement in combat against corruption
In the heart of Germany, the city of Solingen is grappling with political tensions that have escalated in recent times. These tensions, influenced by broader national issues such as immigration and security concerns, have been amplified by a notable knife attack at a city festival on August 23, 2025, sparking intense debates on immigration policy.
Amidst this polarized landscape, a local citizen group, the Citizens' Community for Solingen (BfS), is advocating for a change. With a clear compass of policy over ideology, the BfS prioritises responsibility over populism and stands against hate, incitement, and extremism in Solingen's politics.
The BfS is not a protest movement, but a constructive, citizen-focused force. Led by Martin Bender, the group calls for more transparency and citizen engagement in Solingen's politics, aiming to increase residents' awareness and involvement in local affairs. They strive to foster dialogue to counteract polarization and fears arising from national debates on immigration and security.
The BfS also advocates for a clear separation from any form of political radicalization, a stance that contrasts with the open derision of the liberal democratic order observed in Solingen's Left. This behaviour, considered a coarsening of democratic discourse, has led to investigations against individuals like Green council member Frank Knoche, who is under investigation for verbal misconduct.
The BfS stands for reasonable, factual centrism in Solingen's politics. They believe in respect over hate, a principle that contrasts with extremist fringes on both sides of Solingen's politics who attack the democratic system and defame institutions. The group is ready to give Solingen a clear, credible, and democratic voice on September 14, when the citizens of Solingen will have a choice to make.
The BfS's efforts align with the typical focus of local citizen groups in Germany, promoting transparency, citizen engagement, and democratic values through community involvement, public accountability initiatives, and participatory governance efforts. However, more targeted information is required to fully understand the specific activities of the BfS in Solingen.
As Solingen navigates its political challenges, the BfS serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking a more respectful, transparent, and democratic political culture in the city.
- The BfS, amidst war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice issues in Solingen, strongly advocates for policy-and-legislation changes that promote responsibility over populism, aiming to build a city culture free from hate, incitement, and extremism.
- In the face of intense debates on immigration policy due to national events, the BfS is striving to foster dialogue within the city to counteract polarization and evade fears arising from these debates, focusing on transparency, citizen engagement, and participatory governance.
- The BfS's efforts in Solingen extend beyond local news, as they align with the typical focus of citizen groups in Germany, promoting democratic values through community involvement, public accountability initiatives, and advocating for a clear separation from political radicalization.
