More than 80 organizations in Germany form alliance against the far right
In Germany, more than 80 trade union, church, human rights, environmental, sports and social organizations have signed a solidarity agreement within the “Together for Democracy” alliance. The group plans to support people and institutions facing attacks or threats from the far right, Deutsche Welle English reports.
The groups joined the alliance in 2024, when, according to participants, attacks on democracy intensified. They want to provide public, legal and financial support in cases of attacks on youth and cultural centers, hate campaigns against people who speak out publicly, and threats against volunteers. The alliance includes, among others, the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) and Greenpeace.
Threats against activists
Felix Pankonin, head of educational projects on political issues, Jewish history and antisemitism at Hillersche Villa in Zittau, Saxony, spoke about threats to his safety. According to him, a member of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party came onto his property, his bicycles were damaged, and he also received threats concerning animals. His partner was recently physically attacked.
Keerthana Kuperan, political adviser to the Association of Migrant Organizations in East Germany, DaMOst, said that right-wing extremism has significantly affected her work over the past three years. The organization changed its security protocols: after 6 p.m., employees do not remain alone in the office, and protective measures are introduced before putting up posters in rural areas.
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Elections in Saxony-Anhalt
Elections to the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament are scheduled for September 6. DaMOst reports a shift in the political landscape to the right, which, according to the organization, has led to the discrediting of democratic networks and affected their funding and employment opportunities.
Miriam Zeller, a member of the Stendal city council and a candidate for Alliance 90/The Greens, said that hostility was even more palpable during the Greens’ time in government. According to her, her daughter stopped being invited to birthday parties, while Zeller herself was called a “warmonger.” DW notes that since the start of Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine, the Greens have expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
DGB chair Yasmin Fahimi said that a complete personnel reshuffle of state bodies, ministries, courts and police, which the AfD envisages if it wins in Saxony-Anhalt, would be illegal. The trade union, which has more than 5 million members, provides them with training in constitutional and civil service law so that they can defend their rights.
