Vibrant Democracy Matters: The Thuringian Democracy Prize Controversy
June 2025, 05:00 AM
"Thuringian Democracy Prize under Fire: Criticisms Mount from Award Recipients over 'Girls, Gender, and the Hack' Thesis"
The "On the Spots Alliance Erfurt" grabs the second spot in the Thuringian Democracy Prize, but not without raising some eyebrows. The alliance took to Instagram and its website to express dissatisfaction over certain aspects of the state government's policies.
New Section
Video "On the Spots" Alliance Protests in Erfurt against the AfD
In Erfurt, around 4,000 protesters demonstrated against the AfD, with a larger counter-protest. This event highlights the essence of the election's importance.
"On the Spots" Alliance Protests in Erfurt against the AfD
[Video Link] (MIDDLE GERMAN BROADCAST)
The alliance was awarded the second prize, which comes with a €2,000 prize money. According to the rationale for the award, their laudable achievement stems from the effective collaboration of over 20 diverse initiatives, alliances, associations, and clubs. "On the Spots" primarily organizes demonstrations against right-wing extremism.
Unraveling the Thuringian Democracy Prize
The Thuringian Democracy Prize, established since 2013 by the Thuringian State Program for Democracy, Tolerance, and Openness, aims to celebrate individuals and groups who passionately promote a harmonious and diverse society in their local communities with high personal commitment. Thuringian citizens, associations, networks, and youth initiatives can submit a project or commitment for the prize. The selection of winners is conducted by a jury of diverse representatives from Thuringian citizen alliances, media, science, business, social associations, churches, and young people. The main prizes carry €3,000, €2,000, and €1,000. In addition, recognition prizes, each endowed with €500, are granted.
On the Spots Alliance's Grievances
Anti-Campaign Strategy
The alliance criticized the campaign of the "Blackberry Parties," claiming that they substantially contributed to fueling right-wing sentiments rather than discussing pressing issues like rising rents, the climate crisis, and the growing wealth gap. Instead, the main topics revolved around "barbecues, gender, and minced meat."
Government Collaboration
The alliance stated that the current CDU, BSW, and SPD-led government in Thuringia built "niches" for refugees and introduced "payment cards for asylum seekers." Some were even deemed open to collaborating with right-wing extremists.
One example given by the alliance was the deputy president of the BSW, Steffen Quasebarth, who appeared relaxed in an AfD podcast. The podcast episode was titled "Listen up! - Breaking through the firewall with Steffen Quasebarth."
Criticisms in the Past
This isn't the first time that the Thuringian Democracy Prize has faced criticism from winners. In 2021, "Grandmas Against the Right," who received the main prize that year, criticized the handling of right-wing criminal offenses by the Thuringian justice system, labeling it irresponsible.
During the award ceremony, a representative of the association, made up of older women and men fighting against right-wing extremist ideology, stated, "It's hard for us to feel overwhelming joy about this prize." In 2021, the recipients of the third main prize were even more explicit. The representatives of the Jena and Erfurt local groups of the aid organization "Seebruecke" declared during the award ceremony that they would not accept the award because they felt it was "cynical" for a state government to grant an award that it itself did not deserve.
Seebruecke works to rescue people fleeing to Europe from drowning in the Mediterranean. Instead of accepting responsibility for a humane refugee policy, the parties in the Free State have delegated this responsibility to civil society groups, according to the members of the aid organization. This sentiment echoes the criticism from the "On the Spots" alliance.
Democracy's Strength: Resilience and Criticism
When the "On the Spots" alliance criticized the state government this year, the Thuringian Ministry of Social Affairs responded calmly. A spokeswoman for the Ministry explained that "a living democracy, such as the one represented by the state government, is able to reflect different opinions and provide space for a variety of perspectives, as long as they are expressed peacefully and within the framework of the constitution." This, she continued, is the foundation of a democratic system that can indeed withstand criticism.
The Future of the Thuringian Democracy Prize
Despite the criticisms, the Thuringian Democracy Prize is set to continue, with the Thuringian Ministry of Social Affairs affirming that promoting democracy remains a key concern for the state government. Notably, the prize has frequently been awarded to projects focusing on countering xenophobia and right-wing extremism, reflecting the ongoing importance of these issues in promoting social cohesion and democracy in Thuringia.
It appears that the "On the Spots" Alliance, a group focusing on countering right-wing extremism, has raised concerns about the state government's policies and the tactics of opposing parties. Their dissatisfaction was expressed in response to receiving the second place in the Thuringian Democracy Prize, a award aimed at recognizing individuals and groups promoting a harmonious society. Additionally, the alliance criticized the "Blackberry Parties" for fueling right-wing sentiments and focusing on non-essential issues, while ignoring pressing concerns like rising rents, the climate crisis, and the wealth gap.
