Speeches
Here you can find all of our speeches from the demonstration on 3rd october 2025
1
Opening
Jimmy from Fred.dielinkesocke_official
Dear comrades, today we stand here to demonstrate against a party that opposes all forms of human rights and pursues right-wing ideologies. This party is called the AfD. A party that opposes queer rights and discriminates against people with disabilities, women, and refugees. A party that believes it has the right to use October 3rd, the day of German reunification, to spread their nonsense. Before we go deeper into the topic, here's a little information. During the event, the carrying of glassbottles and other glass containers, as well as weapons or objects that could be used as projectiles (for example:, eggs, stones, paint bags) or that are suitable or intended to injure people or damage property, is prohibited. Furthermore, the carrying of pyrotechnic devices (with the exception of flares) Explosive class F1 and the use of powerful lighting devices (for example:, laser pointers) is prohibited. If you notice someone behaving in an unacceptable manner, or if there are any problems or questions, you can talk to the people with the yellow vests, or the organizer or me. You can generally find us near the stage. If you have deposit bottles, you're welcome to drop them in the bags at the front of the stage or hand them in at the stands. The proceeds will be donated to the refugee association Center for Intercultural Understanding - ZIVD e.V. (Zentrum Interkultureller Verständigung - ZIVD e.V.) If you have any other trash, please dispose it at the Küfa stand. We also have food stalls, drinks stalls and sticker stalls for you. We are not going to babble all day long, there will be musical acts, and I'll do my best to make the breaks as entertaining as possible.
2
AfD
Jimmy from Fred.dielinkesocke_official
What exactly is the AfD? The AfD is a right-wing extremist party, classified by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz), known as the Alternative for Germany and formerly as the Alternative for the CDU. It was founded in 2013, and even its founders deeply regret this, as what they actually wanted to achieve with the party has completely gone down the drain. The AfD is the leading figure in terms of misanthropy, whether against the rights of queer people or against those of other citizens. The AfD may be many things, but it is not an alternative for Germany, and certainly not for its citizens. They present themselves as "our" solution, but what solution? Or salvation? Is a longer working age, working until the grave, really a solution? Getting less of one's hard-earned money supposed to be salvation? Making the poor poorer and the rich even richer? Isn't it enough that many already have to save every penny when shopping, and thinking about going without food for a few days to have enough? Is it really a salvation for the citizens if we bring back the old model, which they want so badly? The one from 1933 to 1945, and not just the model of the family, no, also the model of leadership. Woman in the kitchen and the supposedly strong man bringing home the money? But they don't care that this would mean ruin for many today, as there often isn't enough to go around. I think I see the beginnings of this are already in existance. A party leader who is, firstly, queer and not from Germany, but from Switzerland... Sounds familiar, except back then he was a painter from Austria and probably Jewish, at least that's what's been assumed. But just like him at the end, it was played down. Alice isn't queer either, she's just married to a woman she's known for 29 years, who's from Sri Lanka, and they have a child together. But if you put it all together: The queer party leader wants to abolish same-sex marriage, a certain artist wanted to do the same for Jews, as well as for queer people and those with disabilities. Oh, by the way, the topic is still the AfD, and apparently they're perfectly comparable to back then. The AfD doesn't just want to abolish rights; no, people with disabilities should no longer be allowed to attend public schools, people are being excluded from public life because of their disabilities. Great. The more I actually reread my own speech, the more absurd it seemed to me. But in the same breath, the party stands up and says: "What? Us? Misanthropic? No. Right-wing radical? National Socialist ideology? Where do you get that from?" Where do you get that from? From facts and a good education. I thought I am living in a free country and wasn't running through my history textbooks, which are opened to the topic of World War II and how it came about. This is a topic that I cannot address alone, and so that in the end, people over there don't say "it's all made up," since back there they are walking through the world blindly, there will be more speeches following.
3
General importance of antifascism
Kaoru
First of all, given the circumstances: On September 19, 2025, something unbelievable happened in the Netherlands — “Antifa” was officially classified as a terrorist organization. A decision that should be unthinkable in a free and democratic society. Not only because “Antifa” isn’t actually an organization, but also because this ruling was made in The Hague, the very city where the United Nations’ International Court of Justice is located. This vote was modeled after the antics of our all-time favorite giant baby, Donald J. Trump, who in the U.S. tries to lump together, surveil, and criminalize everything left-wing — basically anything that opposes MAGA (“Make America Great Again”). And under that same logic, “Antifa” ended up on the list. We cannot and must not allow fascistoid forces around the world to gain ground again, turning proto-fascist tendencies back into full-blown fascism. That is why we are here today, standing up against this madness — because “Never Again” is now! Antifascism is a foundation of our Basic Law, Article 1, Section 1: “Human dignity is inviolable. To respect and protect it is the duty of all state authority.” So, hello everyone. Today I want to share a few personal thoughts and impressions with you — things I’ve gathered over the past twelve months while being a bit politically active, gaining insight into the work of parties and demo organizers, in other words, into what people call “Antifa.” A little about me: My name is Kaoru, and as you can see, I’m a skinhead. And just to clear things up: what the media (especially in Germany, the Springer press) usually shows when they say “skinhead” — we call those people “boneheads.” That’s British slang for “idiot,” basically the same as calling someone a blockhead. Those bald guys at some point decided, “Wow, that look is hardcore, let’s steal it.” But to be clear: anyone who wears this look and calls themselves a skin should also know the history of the scene. Spirit of ’69 and all that… Back then, working-class kids in Britain hung out with Jamaican immigrant kids because they loved the same music. That mix of influences gave birth to skinhead culture. And so, here I stand almost textbook-style: shaved head, button-down shirt, Harrington jacket, suspenders, rolled-up jeans, Doc Martens with ladder lacing, and an “I’ll do my thing” attitude — sprinkled with a little “fuck you all.” But what does being a skinhead have to do with antifascism? Well, quite a lot actually. Skins have always been an anti-racist subculture. To quote the philosopher Angela Davis (loosely translated into German at the time): “We live in a racist society. It’s not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” From that mindset, SHARP skins emerged — “Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice.” Especially in Germany, anti-racism and antifascism are deeply interconnected — I probably don’t need to explain why. For anyone who forgot: nationalist and fascist thinking provides fertile ground for things like race theory and antisemitism. Just look at Germany from 1933–45. After Nazi Germany and World War II, the Allies felt forced to divide the country. Without that division, we wouldn’t be where we are today. And we also wouldn’t be here without the brave people who took to the streets peacefully in 1989, first demanding freedom to travel, then a unified Germany. Those demonstrations often carried the slogan “Swords into Ploughshares” — which, unsurprisingly, our “friends” on the other side have since stolen for themselves. Nowadays you see that slogan on “Monday demos” of the Freie Sachsen — people marching “for peace” under that same banner. By the way, the Saxon State Office for the Protection of the Constitution already labeled Freie Sachsen a right-wing extremist group in 2021, the very year it was founded. To me, far-right extremist ideology has nothing to do with pacifism or peace. So, what’s my point with all this? It pisses me off when subcultures or movements get stripped of their original meaning, twisted, or misused. We need to reclaim what is ours — “Reclaim Antifa.” You know what I mean. And yet, when I walk through the Neustadt as a skin, people sometimes look at me as if I were some overweight fascist from the suburbs celebrating his big cattle-drive in the park. And that’s exactly the problem. We say we want to get rid of pigeonholing, tear down walls, and build bridges. But within the leftist scene, we often do the opposite: we put on blinders, both politically and socially, shutting ourselves off from new perspectives. How can we call ourselves progressive if we can’t even hold meaningful discussions within our own ranks? Nobody’s perfect. But that doesn’t mean we get to treat our comrades with disrespect just because they say something we think is dumb. Respectful communication matters. If you can’t engage at the moment, say so. Take the time and space you need to think — that’s fine. Not everyone is always ready for debate. But if we instead claw each other’s eyes out, then of course the “movement” doesn’t move forward. I know there are questionable movements and individuals within the left bubble, too. And they should absolutely be questioned — respectfully — and called out when necessary. But we can’t go marching for diversity, respect, reason, and tolerance, if those very values sometimes disappear in our own ranks — especially when personal conflicts are involved. I’m not excluding myself here. But if I have to work or fight alongside someone I don’t like, I need to put my personal bias aside for the moment and focus on our common goal. And I believe we all share at least this one: equal rights for all, a life worth living, and making sure fascism never becomes socially acceptable again — ideally, preventing it altogether. Our predecessors spoke of a united front, and that’s exactly what we need now more than ever. To illustrate: Comrade Ernst Thälmann, one of the leading heads of the KPD, was a supporter of the “social fascism” thesis. Because of that, the KPD and the Red Front Fighters’ League blocked cooperation with other antifascist groups like the Iron Front and the SPD — ultimately paving the way for Hitler and his thugs. I doubt a united front alone would have prevented the Nazi regime, but history clearly shows what happens when we tear each other apart. The answer is: nothing good. If one day we’ve secured our basic common ground, then sure, we can argue over the little things. But until then, comrades, we need to turn our firewall into a floodwall to withstand this blue-brown tide. I call on you: we will hold the line — ¡No pasarán! Even if times look dark, it is our duty to defend democracy — for those who gave their lives for it. We have nothing less to lose than our freedom, the very thing we love so much. Thank you for your time and attention. Stay queer, alerta!
4
Together against fascism
Birgner frmo krüppels gegen rechts
Hello, and thank you for having us here today. We are Birger from Dresden and Sabine from Görlitz. We both have been active in disability rights and inclusion politics for many years, across various levels and groups. Today, we are here representing the Krüppel gegen Rechts network. Very briefly, for those who don’t know us yet: Krüppel gegen Rechts (Crips Against the Right) is a cross-party network that was founded on May 17, 2025, in Kassel. We stand: for the guarantee and implementation of all human rights, for the inviolability of the dignity of all people, for the equal value of all human life, for democracy and inclusion, against right-wing populist ideologies, against ableism, sexism, racism, and all other forms of group-based misanthropy, against any attempts to portray life with a disability as inferior or unworthy. The name “Krüppel gegen Rechts” references the Krüppelbewegung (Crip Movement) of the 1970s and '80s, which used the term “Krüppel” (crip) with pride and self-confidence — exposing society’s hostility toward disabled people in the process. Today is German Unity Day. “Unity” — what a big word. It was once the dream of so many people, something they fought for. And yet today, we seem further from its true meaning than ever. Violence, hatred, and agitation are spreading. The divisions feel irreconcilable, and calls for a supposedly racially pure people, free of all “deviations,” are growing louder. The dream of unity and equality has turned into a nightmare a long time ago. We need to finally wake up and understand that this cannot go on. Because what starts with the exclusion of marginalized groups — those we think have nothing to do with us — will spread like wildfire if we don’t stop it now. Anyone who denies the human rights of some will eventually strip them from everyone who doesn’t fit their worldview. We’ve been down this road before — and it brought the world to the brink of destruction. Today, we are once again dangerously close to that brink. Hate and agitation from the far right continue to grow, and they stop at no segment of society — whether in the city or in the countryside. In my hometown, group leaders from workshops and residential facilities for disabled people, as well as staff from schools and the healthcare system, are marching side by side with right-wing and far-right groups in so-called “Monday demonstrations.” In my hometown, far-right groups have even made donations to disability care organizations — and those donations were gladly accepted. Friends of ours have been insulted, threatened, beaten, and injured simply because their existence doesn’t fit into a right-wing worldview. That’s why, for us, the fight against fascism is not just a moral obligation, but a matter close to our hearts — something truly worth fighting for. Diversity and tolerance are not a threat — they are our only real chance at true unity. Because only when even the most vulnerable among us is a natural and accepted part of society can we truly be one. Only when skin color, love, age, or gender no longer matter will a dream finally become lived reality — for everyone. Granted, we try to reach this big goal in many different ways — and that’s a good thing. Every viewpoint, every perspective is an enrichment and brings us one step closer to our goal. So even if our paths are different — in our goal, we are united.
5
Defending Democracy – Diversity as Strength, a Clear Stand Against Attacks on Our Democracy and Against Violence Toward Minorities
Birgner frmo krüppels gegen rechts
Dear friends, October 3rd reminds us of what is possible when people stand up for freedom and democracy. Today I want to talk about how we can protect this achievement – and why we must raise our voices when it is threatened. Democracy does not arise on its own. It lives because people defend it. But right now we see: authoritarian movements gaining ground, extremists defaming our institutions, and respect for minorities diminishing. This does not happen suddenly. It happens gradually. First, boundaries are shifted, then taboos are broken – until the obvious is called into question. A look at the United States shows how dangerous this is: books are being banned, the rights of women and minorities are being restricted, and democracy itself is being questioned. And here, too, we hear rhetoric that tests the limits of democracy. When leading politicians use populist slogans or play on prejudice, they open doors that should remain firmly closed. We must not forget: democracy is not majority rule. Democracy protects every single person – especially minorities. Diversity is not the problem, it is the solution. A society that acknowledges differences is stronger, more resilient, and more just. That is why the rule stands: those who attack diversity attack democracy. On October 3rd, we must not only remember – we must act. Our task is: to take a clear stand when human rights are questioned, to raise our voices when hate is being normalized, to show solidarity when minorities come under pressure. Silence does not protect – silence weakens democracy. The wall fell because people had the courage to stand up. We need that courage today as well – not against concrete, but against hatred, division, and indifference. Let us use this October 3rd to say: We stand together. We stand for freedom. We stand for diversity. And we defend our democracy. Thank you.
6
Against all anti-Semitism – always, everywhere
Jessica
Hey everyone,
This speech was actually finished a few days ago, but sometimes reality catches up with you faster than you'd like. Yesterday, there was an attack on a synagogue in Manchester, killing two visitors and the perpetrator himself. On Yom Kippur, the holiest Jewish holiday! This was a targeted terrorist attack on Jewish life! Anti-Semitism is not a problem of the past. It never went away! It is here. Now and here. In our society, even here. And we must not brush it aside or relativise it. In the past, a very similar incident occurred in Germany. On 9 October 2019, also on Yom Kippur, a heavily armed neo-Nazi attempted to break into the synagogue in Halle. He wanted to carry out a massacre of Jews. At that time, the massive door prevented him from entering the place of worship. Nevertheless, two innocent people were murdered on the street – simply because they happened to be there. This act was not an "isolated incident". It was an expression of growing right-wing anti-Semitism, which has been becoming socially acceptable again in Germany for years. Almost exactly four years later, on 7 October 2023, Hamas carried out a brutal attack in Israel. Over 1,200 people were killed, many of them specifically targeted because they were Jewish. It was the worst anti-Semitic pogrom since the end of the Second World War. As difficult as it is to comprehend, anyone who celebrates, trivialises or justifies the attacks is condoning violence. We must also make this clear. And yes, we can and should criticise the Israeli government. We can show solidarity with Palestinians who are suffering under occupation and war. But criticism becomes anti-Semitism when people are dehumanised across the board, Jews worldwide are held collectively responsible, or Jewish institutions in Germany are attacked. And that is what is happening right now. Since 7 October, anti-Semitic crimes in Germany have increased massively. In 2024, 24 anti-Semitic incidents were recorded statistically every day. Synagogues are being vandalised and are under police protection 24 hours a day. People wearing kippahs are being threatened. Stars of David are being daubed on houses. Schools with Jewish pupils report that fear has become part of everyday life. Just two days ago, the newspaper reported that it is no longer uncommon for Jews to deny their identity and order pizza or taxis under false names for fear of hostility. Further very recent examples of the normalisation of anti-Semitic ideas can be seen in Flensburg and Fürth, where two restaurant owners deliberately sought to exclude Jews and Israelis from their establishments. Although there was a brief media outcry in both cases, no consistent action was taken against them. Or in Klütz, Mecklenburg, where Michael Friedman was disinvited from an event next year for fear of attacks by right-wing or pro-Hamas supporters! At least there, massive public pressure led to the mayor's resignation. But it is telling that it could have come to this in the first place. All this is happening now, here, in 2025, not somewhere far away. And it affects us too. Because when people of the Jewish faith in Germany are once again afraid to be visible, it is not just their problem. It is an attack on all of us who stand for an open, solidarity-based society. And that also means we have to be careful how we talk about Israel, Gaza and the world. Anti-Semitism can also creep into left-wing, anti-imperialist or activist contexts – often hidden behind terms such as "criticism of Israel", which then tip over into anti-Semitic narratives. What is actually said or done out of humanity and solidarity with a suffering civilian population is abused by certain groups of people and turned into its opposite. It is a fine line to tread, and doing so is a balancing act! Let's be honest: those who pressure Jewish people to distance themselves from Israel are not engaging in anti-colonialism – they are projecting. Those who exclude Jewish voices from feminist, queer or anti-racist alliances because they do not fit into their own worldview are dividing our movements. That is not progress – it is dangerous. At the same time, solidarity also means that we can make room for multiple realities at the same time. Yes, we can empathise with the people in Gaza. Yes, we can criticise state violence. And at the same time, we can say clearly: anti-Semitism is never acceptable. Nowhere. Not even in the name of justice. "Never again" does not just mean remembering the past. It also means taking responsibility in the present. It means that when Jewish cultural events have to be cancelled because the security situation is too dangerous, that is a warning sign. When Jewish students avoid their university because they no longer feel safe there, we must question our spaces.
When people of the Jewish faith no longer feel welcome in left-wing structures, we lose something crucial: our credibility. Therefore, let us show solidarity – not selectively, but consistently. Solidarity with Jews who are once again becoming targets.
Solidarity with all those who fight for a life of dignity and freedom – whether in Berlin, Tel Aviv or Gaza. And solidarity in our demand to clearly name and combat racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of oppression. Because we can only build a just world together. And no one should be left behind in the process. Thank you.
7
GDR comparison AfD
Omas gegen Rechts Döbeln
Hello, I’m Ines from the “Omas gegen Rechts” (Grandmother Against the Right) in Döbeln. I am standing here today – in Dresden – because I cannot remain silent. And because I will not remain silent. We grandmothers have lived in this country, worked, raised children – and many of us still do. Some of us are even still working today. We are not naive. We know: Our democracy is not something we can take for granted. We will not hand over our society to the enemies of freedom. Not to the fascists. Not to the racists. Not to the liars. Not to the arsonists. But what we are currently witnessing is extremely dangerous. And it’s not just about the AfD. Even conservative, economically liberal, and nationalist parties are drifting to the right, adopting far-right slogans, aligning themselves with exclusion and authoritarian thinking. We say: Those who stay silent or go along are complicit. The AfD is not an alternative – it is a danger. The AfD talks about “resistance,” about “freedom,” about “the people” – but in truth it stands for: ● Discrimination instead of equality ● Fear instead of solidarity ● Lies instead of solutions ● Hate instead of responsibility It targets the most vulnerable: Refugees. Migrants. Queer people. Children, the poor, the sick, people with disabilities – and our democracy itself. The AfD does not want to build – it wants to destroy. And that, dear friends, has a name: fascism. Nationalism and violence – we’ve seen it before. We grandmothers know where it leads when fascists are allowed to run free. Our parents and grandparents suffered bitterly under National Socialism: ● Millions of people were disenfranchised, persecuted, murdered. ● Those who thought differently were imprisoned or driven into exile. ● Freedom of the press, freedom of opinion, human rights – abolished. ● Everything left in ruins. And today? Again, people march with torches. Again, shelters are set on fire. Again, hatred becomes socially acceptable. Again, they shout of “remigration” – and mean expulsion. We say: Never again is now! Many of us – and many of you – come from Eastern Germany. And we know what it is like when freedom of expression does not exist. In the GDR, art was censored. Musicians, writers, theatre people – they were monitored, banned, silenced. ● Those who were inconvenient were no longer allowed to write. ● No concerts, no exhibitions, no books. ● Careers destroyed, families threatened, lives ruined. And yet, there was courage. In small galleries, in backyards, in churches – there arose art that shook people awake, literature that gave courage, music that was resistance. This experience shapes us to this day, and we look with great concern: Today the AfD once again deliberately attacks art and culture. They insult cultural workers as “leftist scum.” They want to cut theater budgets. They incite hatred against artists who take a stand. But we say clearly: Culture is not a luxury. Art is not an enemy. Culture is the backbone of a free society. And those who suppress culture want to suppress thought. We say: We will not allow history to repeat itself. The AfD wants to: ● Control the media ● Weaken the Constitutional Court ● Undermine the separation of powers Those who restrict press freedom, who insult journalists as “lying press,” who claim freedom of expression only for themselves – do not stand on the foundation of our constitution. Our democracy is not a toy. It is a hard-won achievement. And we will defend it – every single day! We Grandmothers Against the Far Right call on all democratic parties: Take a clear stand! No coalitions with the AfD! No looking away, no staying silent! Anyone who believes they can “do politics” with the AfD is dangerously mistaken. Fascism cannot be tamed → It can only be fought. Many people are afraid: Afraid of right-wing violence, of assaults, of radicalization. Right-wing networks operate within the police, the military, the authorities. Hate speech escalates online. People no longer dare to speak their minds openly. But we say: Fear is no alternative. We stand together. Solidarity instead of division! The AfD speaks of “remigration” – a harmless-sounding word for an inhumane idea. People are supposed to leave – because they look different, believe differently, love differently. Even if they were born here, even if they work here, even if they live here... In the AfD’s worldview, there is only one “real” kind of person: German. Productive. Conformist – and angry at everyone. But we say: Every human being has equal worth. Period. The AfD talks about “social justice” – while at the same time wanting to tear apart the social safety net. It promises freedom – while wanting to abolish basic rights. It says “for the people” – but only means part of them. We don’t need right-wing slogans. What we need is: ● Freedom in education – not ideology ● Climate protection – not denial ● A social safety net – not destruction Instead of inciting hatred against minorities, we need solutions: ● How do we fight old-age poverty – especially among women? ● How do we build an education system that includes everyone? ● How do we relieve the burden on healthcare and caregiving? The AfD has no answers to these questions – only slogans. While the planet burns, the AfD wants to leave the Paris Climate Agreement. Roll back renewable energy. Cut climate protection… That is irresponsible. That is a crime against the future. We Grandmothers Against the Far Right are: ● Mothers ● Grandmothers ● Women ● Citizens We know what freedom means – and how quickly it can be lost. That is why we say loudly and clearly: Never again fascism! Never again nationalism! Never again contempt for human beings as a political strategy! The AfD is not an alternative – it is a danger. For our country. For our children. For our democracy. And as long as we live, we will stand up against it. That is our promise. Thank you.
8
Interviw with Ocean
Ocean
No translate, i´m sry
9
CSD Döbeln
Lara CSD Döbeln
I'm angry. I'm angry at the politicians who make big speeches, promise that everything will get better, and then do nothing to move this country forward. I'm angry at people who say, "I have nothing against gays, as long as they don't touch me." I'm angry at fascists who beat up migrants and queer people just because they don't like their lifestyle. I'm angry at the German middle class, who dump their problems onto migrant and marginalized people. I'm angry at people who say, "I'm not a Nazi, but..." — if you're saying that, then guess what? You are one. I'm angry at Christians who insult and belittle others, just to justify their right-wing conservative behavior by saying, "Jesus will save you all." Before Jesus saves me, maybe he should save you — and your brain — first. I'm angry because climate deniers and conspiracy theorists are still allowed to spew their bullshit — even in the Bundestag. Because no, Beatrix von Storch, the sun cannot just decide to shine less. I'm Lara, a woman from the backcountry. Why am I speaking up today? Because I’ve had enough. Enough of fascists and AfD supporters spreading hate and incitement. And I’m sick of having the same damn migration policy debate for the third time at every family gathering, even though none of them has ever actually read up on asylum law. These are the same people who normalize racism and claim that everyone on welfare just lies around being lazy. I’m Lara, and I don’t want fascists to have a stage in the Bundestag through the AfD anymore. They’re allowed to openly incite hatred against minorities — in a house where the constitution and democracy are supposed to matter. AfD aside, our real problem right now is Merz and his government. Whether it’s Spahn or Klöckner — they all have one thing in common: They’re in the CDU. The supposedly “Christian” party. Yeah, makes total sense — delivering weapons and ramping up the military totally aligns with the Ten Commandments. Merz talks and talks, and all we read is that he and his government want to cut healthcare services. And we haven’t even started on the citizens’ benefit (“Bürgergeld”). What do we end up with? Exactly! Nothing. And the SPD? They’re doing what they did for 16 years under Merkel: Nothing. Just standing by and letting it all happen. In Döbeln, where I’m from, the city council is cutting funding for international youth work and migrant counseling centers. Then they demolish the skate hall to make room for parking lots, and shut down a youth center that does important social work. Guess what party our mayor belongs to? Yep — CDU.
Is it really that hard to support and accept people? Especially people like us — people who openly say that fascism, antisemitism, racism, and queerphobia have no place here. People who say that police violence must stop. That Oury Jalloh did not kill himself. He was murdered — and you all know it! I don’t want to have to hide my rainbow bracelet on the train anymore because obvious fascist guys in bomber jackets, New Balance sneakers, and blonde side-parts are talking about beating up queer people and “leftist scum” — while staring straight at me. I was shaking in that moment, because the train was almost empty except for a few elderly people. The result: I changed carriages — because I was scared. Even though I didn’t want to back down. But in that moment, I thought about myself — and I didn’t judge myself for it. Because fear is fear. Sometimes the risk is just too great.
But I also need to criticize us — the antifascists and the left. We’re splitting ourselves up and letting them pit us against each other. Meanwhile, the fascists are organizing. So my call to you is: Unite and get involved — because none of us can fight fascism alone. In the end, we are more. Because we are the ones doing the antifascist groundwork. So please, never forget this! And to end with: **Fuck AfD, fuck CDU, and Free Palestine! Alerta!**
10
Shift to the right school
Emma from Fred.dielinkesocke_official
Unity, freedom, democracy – German Unity Day stands for precisely that, as well as how we stand up today for every person's right to live and love as they choose under the German constitution. Today, I would like to talk about a topic that concerns us all – perhaps some more than others, but we all notice it, regardless of our social circle: Right-wing pressure is increasing. Today, I am talking specifically about right-wing pressure and the mobilisation of the right wing in schools, what impact this has on us, why the AfD plays a major role in this, and what makes it so dangerous. Let's first look at Saxony, because cities such as Dresden, Chemnitz and Bautzen alone have been known for years for right-wing marches, Pegida demonstrations and attacks on refugees. The AfD is particularly strong here – it received 30.6 per cent of the vote in the 2024 state elections and as much as 31.8 per cent in the European elections. In the U18 election, 34.5 per cent of young people voted for the AfD. This made it the strongest party among young people in Saxony. But this is not just a Saxon problem. A dangerous trend is also evident nationwide – according to a youth study, around 22 per cent of 14- to 29-year-olds would vote for the AfD. That is one in five. And that is a huge problem that frightens me and many other people. But it is not only in surveys that we feel the pressure from the right, which is growing stronger and stronger. Schools, places where democracy should be learned and lived, are being used by right- wingers as a place to exploit other pupils. Right-wing symbols are appearing more and more frequently, and there are discriminatory slogans and hostile comments in the schoolyard or in class chats. I myself witnessed Hitler salutes being made in the changing rooms at my former school. Many pupils then join in, blinded by the desire to belong, to wear the same brands or to gain recognition, but it is not only those pupils who stand out who suffer as a result. Many teachers feel left alone with this problem. They have to balance the requirement to remain neutral with the duty to take a clear stance. Added to this are staff shortages and the fear that openly addressing the problems will damage the school's reputation, that one will be accused of trying to manipulate pupils, or that one will become more vulnerable to hatred and personal attacks. Although there are important projects such as “School without Racism – School with Courage”, not every school is involved – and often the necessary resources are lacking – and even in schools where this project is carried out, there is often a lack of implementation and translation into reality, which usually looks very different. The far right knows exactly how to appeal to young people. Organisations such as the “Junge Alternative” (Young Alternative), the youth organisation of the AfD, or local right-wing cliques use simple enemy stereotypes, conspiracy narratives and targeted social media to win over young people. Music and memes are also used to make right-wing messages appear cool. Research shows that young people who feel left behind, overwhelmed or without clear direction are particularly susceptible to such offers. Many young people experience uncertainty – whether due to climate change, the economic situation or the feeling that no one is listening to them. Right-wing groups offer seemingly simple answers – but these answers lead in a dangerous direction – dangerous for oneself, but above all for those affected, who are portrayed as the true enemies in this ideology. Many feel the consequences directly in their everyday school life. Migrant pupils, LGBTQ young people and those who think differently experience exclusion, insults and threats. Teachers who take a clear stand against the right wing and/or are part of the community are also increasingly becoming targets. Some incidents are obvious – such as swastikas on walls, Hitler salutes in changing rooms or right-wing stickers – others remain subtle, for example in everyday language or in WhatsApp groups. The problem is that many of these incidents are not officially reported. The number of unreported cases is high. This means that those affected are often left alone." This shows the direct connection to the AfD. The AfD is not a harmless protest, but the political arm of these developments. Its rhetoric – nationalism, exclusion, enemy stereotypes – has long shaped everyday life. What is said in the Bundestag or in state parliaments quickly ends up in school playgrounds via TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The fact that the AfD is so popular among young people is a warning sign: it influences not only politics, but also the next generations. Our schools must not be places of fear, but places of the future. We therefore need more political education, more support for teachers and a clear stance against the right wing. We young people in particular have a role to play: democracy thrives when we defend it and, above all, when we exemplify it. Not with hatred, not with exclusion – but with respect, diversity and cohesion. Let us work together to ensure that 3 October remains not only a holiday celebrating unity, but also a signal against division and right-wing agitation. A signal for diversity, tolerance and democracy.
11
Resist (Widersetzen)
Resist nationwide (Widersetzen Bundesweit)
Hey, I'm with the alliance Widersetzen, and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person at this protest who has spent most of their life assuming they would grow old in a democracy. But now I stand here as part of a generation that is witnessing, in real time, how far-right extremism is once again becoming mainstream. We're watching as a party classified as definitively far-right has a real chance of emerging from the next federal election as the strongest political force in Germany. We're witnessing how the United States is being transformed into an authoritarian, fascist state. The courts there have effectively been taken over, and the opposition is under military control. And what we're seeing there is no longer some distant scenario—it’s a warning sign of what could happen here too. Because while the firewalls against fascism are falling internationally, hundreds of young men are marching through our streets shouting slogans like “Nazi neighborhood” or “white, normal, straight.” And what shocks me the most is how young these people are—15, 16, 17 years old. And that’s exactly what turns my anger slowly but surely into fear: when the youth and their culture are lost to the far-right, when belonging means being right-wing, then we have practically already lost the fight against fascism. Then, violent youth groups attacking our migrant and queer friends and neighbors in broad daylight, beating up politicians, threatening leftists—this becomes just a normal part of everyday life. And these very young people are now supposed to form the core of the AfD’s next youth organization. Because on November 29, the AfD plans to reestablish its youth wing “JA” under the name Young Patriots in Gießen—creating a space to further push this exact development forward. The Young Patriots are meant to secure the foundation on which the AfD wants to build its fascism for the coming decades. This is where the next generation of functionaries, cadres, and perpetrators of violence in the Bundestag is being born. But we will not stand by and let the AfD take over. Instead, tens of thousands of us from across Germany will travel to Gießen and stop the re-founding of the JA. And we will do it as a broad civil society alliance—from nurses at the Charité to metalworkers in Dresden. Across the country, thousands of people are already preparing for this day. Because anyone who gives the Young Patriots space to organize hands over an entire generation to the AfD. We have to be absolutely clear: the AfD doesn’t need a majority among our generation to push through its agenda. It will already be successful if it manages to organize its young far-right base—while the rest of us do nothing but watch. That’s why protesting the founding of the Young Patriots is so crucial. This moment will show whether we are ready to write the story of a youth that stood up and resisted—or one that remained silent and went along once again. Only if we act together now can there be a future beyond fascism. And that’s why we will resist—loudly, determinedly, and with everyone fighting for an open and free society!
12
AfD situation in Freiberg
Ronja freom Studis gegen rechts Freiberg (Students against the Right Freiberg)
Dear friends, We are standing here today in Dresden—and we must talk about what is happening in Freiberg. Because the mayoral election there clearly shows how serious the situation is for our democracy. In the middle of the election campaign, in the middle of our city, posters of a democratic candidate were defaced. Swastikas, crosshairs, and the word “headshot” were painted on them. These are not teenagers playing a bad joke. These are not trivial graffiti. This is a very open death threat. A message: “If you stand up for democracy, you are in danger.” We must not downplay this threat. It is real. It is serious. It is an expression of a political culture that has been poisoned. Because such acts do not come out of nowhere. They arise in a climate that has been prepared – through incitement, through trivialization, through daily taunts against democracy. And in this poisoned climate, there is another mouthpiece for the fascists: the so-called Freiberger Beobachter. The name alone is a slap in the face. Anyone familiar with German history knows what it evokes: the Völkischer Beobachter, the party newspaper of the NSDAP. At the time, this paper was the Nazis' most important propaganda tool. It defamed democrats, dehumanized Jews, invented enemy stereotypes, and made hatred state doctrine. And today, the AfD calls its own propaganda paper the “Freiberger Beobachter.” This is no coincidence. It is a deliberately chosen signal. Anyone who reads the “Freiberger Beobachter” quickly recognizes the parallels: no factual information, just hate speech. No solutions, but enemy stereotypes. Refugees, climate activists, committed individuals – all supposedly “vermin.” And democracy itself is held in contempt. This is not harmless. This is not “just a different opinion.” This is an attempt to poison the political culture in Freiberg. And yes, we feel the pressure. In Freiberg, in Dresden, everywhere in Saxony. We are treated with hostility, we are insulted, attempts are made to belittle us. But – and this is crucial – we are not alone! Everyone standing here on the street today is part of a movement that is louder than their hate speech, stronger than their threats, clearer than their lies. We are the majority who believe in freedom, equality, and solidarity. We are the majority who want an open society in which people are not judged by their origin, religion, or skin color. And we will make this majority visible—in Freiberg, in Dresden, everywhere in the state. Because Freiberg is more than this hate speech. Freiberg is a university town, a town of students, of families, of people from many countries who live and work together. Our future lies not in isolation, but in openness. Not in regression, but in solidarity. History shows us that democracy must be defended. Against those who attack it. And also against those who remain silent. We cannot afford to have followers. This is not the time to be apolitical. It is time to finally stand up loud and clear and stand in the way of the fascists. And that is exactly why we are needed. Us, who are loud. Us, who stand up. Us, who say clearly: You will not intimidate us. You will not drive us away. You will not silence us. Yes, it is frightening when death threats are in the air. But do you know what is even stronger than their threats? Our solidarity. Our community. Our determination to defend democracy. That's why I say: In Freiberg, in Dresden, everywhere – when right-wingers spread hatred, we are there. When democracy is threatened, we are there. When they come with swastikas and threats, we come with diversity, with solidarity, with courage. Thank you
13
Shortage of skilled workers
ZiVd e.v.
Dear friends, On October 3, Germany will celebrate its unity. But as we stand here, the AfD is dividing us—and harming us all. Today we are talking about skilled workers. Germany urgently needs them: in nursing, in daycare centers, in hospitals, in construction. But instead of offering solutions, the AfD is ensuring that the shortage continues to grow. We see this in our work, for example in Morocco: many people want to come to Germany, work here, pay taxes, build their future. But more and more are saying: “Not to Saxony. Not to Brandenburg. Not to Thuringia.” Why? Because they are afraid. Afraid of racism, afraid of attacks, afraid of a society in which the AfD is growing stronger and stronger. But it is not only the people who are considering whether to come here who are uncertain. Local employers are also unsettled. Some are afraid to hire international skilled workers – not because they don't want to, but because they fear hostility. Because they are worried that suddenly there will be a torchlight procession in front of their shop, just because they employ people from other countries. In this way, the AfD is causing double damage: it is scaring away the people we urgently need. And it is intimidating those who want to offer jobs. The AfD claims to represent the interests of the people here. But in reality, it is destroying the future of this region: it is weakening our economy, our social services, our society. We, on the other hand, are creating safe escape routes. We are counteracting the shortage of skilled workers. We are building bridges – while the AfD is tearing them down. And because it is important that you know who is speaking to you here: We are the ZIVD e. V. – the Center for Intercultural Understanding Dresden. We are political educators – and, yes, sometimes we kick ass when necessary. We are social workers for the people who arrive here, and we are a counseling center – also in the countries of origin. We are disaster relief workers when shit goes down, and we are people who do not look away when injustice occurs. In short: we stand for solidarity, for education, for practical help – and we stand against racism, hatred, and incitement. That is why we say clearly: If we want unity and a future, then we need solidarity instead of incitement, openness instead of isolation, respect instead of fear. The AfD talks about “home,” but is in fact aiming to destroy it. We, however, are fighting to ensure that our home remains a place where all people can live, work, and belong in safety. Thank you very much.
14
Racism in the craft industry
lea from Buntes Handwerk (Colorful crafts)
My name is Lea. I am a master bicycle mechanic and a member of the association Buntes Handwerk (Colorful Crafts). We are a group of craftspeople from all over Germany, representing a wide range of trades—from A for Anlagenmechaniker:innen (plant mechanics) to Z for Zimmer:innen (carpenters). Together, we stand up for an open, tolerant, and diverse skilled trades sector. Craftsmanship is all around us: the table we sit at, the floor we walk on, the bike we ride, the rolls we pick up from our favorite bakery. On the one hand, I’m incredibly happy to be standing here in front of you, speaking about the skilled trades. On the other hand, it’s simply sad and disturbing why we have to be here. The skilled trades are the backbone of our economy, the glue of our society. We build, repair, create, and provide. We are over a million businesses with millions of employees. We are the heart of society. And precisely because of that, we must talk about an issue that concerns us all—and that also challenges us: Racism in the skilled trades. Many in our industry might think: "That's a political problem, a big city issue—not ours. Here, only performance counts." That’s only partly true. Yes, on the construction site, in the workshop, at the counter—we need skilled workers, no matter where they come from or what their skin color is. But it’s also true that racism doesn’t stop at our workshop doors. We need to be honest: Racism exists—in the form of “stupid, nasty jokes” between colleagues that are actually deeply hurtful. Discrimination exists—when qualified young people don’t get apprenticeships because their name or background doesn’t “fit the image” of a company. Exclusion exists—when employees are racially insulted by customers and don’t feel protected. We can’t complain about a shortage of skilled workers while excluding talented people. We can’t call for diversity but only practice uniformity. Those who tolerate racist or discriminatory behavior are destroying the very foundation of our trades: solidarity and respect. The good news is: The skilled trades already hold the solution. In our world, it’s competence that counts: The best tiler lays the most beautiful tiles—no matter where they come from. The most reliable electrician ensures safe wiring—no matter what religion they follow. In the trades, there is no "us" versus "them"—only a shared goal. We need diversity: In many craft businesses, people from five, ten, or more countries work side by side. They bring different perspectives, creativity, and languages to the table—and that’s our competitive advantage, especially in times of a skills shortage. Our values are clear: The leading organizations of our sector—ZDH, the chambers, the associations—have stated it clearly in their resolutions: No place for hate and incitement. We stand for a strong, open democracy—because it is the foundation of our economy. It’s not enough to speak out against racism in Sunday speeches. We need to take action. That’s craftwork: honest, concrete, and renewed every day. I demand: Leaders and master craftspeople: Create a clear zero-tolerance policy in your businesses. When racist remarks are made, step in immediately and decisively. Make it clear: In this workshop, on this construction site, or in this bakery, only skill and respect count. Colleagues: Don’t look away. Silence is agreement. Show civil courage and stand up for those who are attacked or excluded. Chambers and associations: We need to establish advice and complaint offices where apprentices and employees can confidentially turn to when things go wrong in their companies. I call for intervention when boundaries are crossed. I call for companies to be held accountable. The skilled trades are a community. Those who want to work with us must share our values: diligence, honesty, and mutual respect. Let’s roll up our sleeves and work together to ensure that our businesses, our construction sites, and our workshops are not only places of the highest craftsmanship—but also real firewalls against all forms of misanthropy. That’s what I stand for. That’s what Buntes Handwerk stands for. We don’t want to wait any longer. We’re done debating—we are demanding. Never again will we be silent about exclusion of any kind. Never again is now. Be loud and proud—for our craft, for our future. All hands to the trades. Let’s get to work!
15
feminism
Franzi from Fred.dielinkesocke_official
!Before I begin, I'd like to issue a trigger warning. My speech mentions sexual violence, rape, harassment, and murder.! "Feminism today is cancer, and feminists are all horrible and ugly," says Maximilian Krah. Here are a few more AfD quotes from interviews, party conferences, or social media: "Hopefully, a black man will one day really take you on without you wanting it. Then maybe you'll become sane." (Andy Schöngarth) "A country that lets everyone in is just as respected as a woman who lets everyone in." (Johannes Normann) "I still believe (....) that women are less suited to politics because they are a bit more emotional than men," says Nikolaus Kramer, while a woman represents the AfD in the Bundestag and supporters of the political party are upset about motifs on cheese packages and want to boycott them. Well, what should I say about that... Even in the AfD's election manifesto and the content it contains, the misogyny doesn't stop there; no, it's made even clearer. Here, for example, we find an image that shows how the AfD imagines a woman who fits into their distorted worldview. A traditional housewife, loves her family and her homeland, naturally raises and cares for her children, and lives primarily for them. Raising and educating children is her primary duty, loves her husband, and has a healthy ego, whatever that means. The whole thing is made clearer by the following quote: "Every woman can do what she wants. On average, however, she has to have two children. That's easier without a full-time job." Says Andreas Wild, a man who can't even imagine how painful and difficult childbirth is and what consequences it can have for the person giving birth. A man who says that a woman who can't or doesn't want to have children is worthless, is spreading a massively outdated image of women. It shows that the AfD instrumentalizes women and sees them only as birthing machines, instead of perceiving them as human beings with feelings and a right to self-determination. The double standard, however, is that the AfD simultaneously wants to "protect women." What should this so-called protection look like? For example, abolish the Self-Determination Act so that no man can pretend to be a woman and make female safe spaces like restrooms and changing rooms unsafe. Well, AfD, I don't see the problem here with queer people whose lives are only made easier; no, I see the problem with the men who exploit this. And if you cared about women's safety as much as you pretend, why don't you advocate for proper safety for women? One approach would be to believe women who have experienced violence at the hands of men and to fairly convict the perpetrators. Because it's definitely not fair if someone gets two years for tax evasion and a rapist gets released on parole. Comparing these two crimes alone is dubious, but punishing a crime that affects the woman for lifetime or even kills her after the crime less than if the state doesn't get its money is inhumane. It gets even worse when you consider the reasons given for acquitting those convicted. But the AfD doesn't care about that, or rather, it seems as if party members even support this approach. Dubravko Mandic of the AfD, for example, said: "Rape doesn't occur independently of sexual stimuli, and those were present here. People aren't always in control of their urges." But clothing isn't an invitation, a yes, and above all, a justification. Babies, children, unconscious and dead people, and even animals are also raped. Where could there have been any sexual stimuli? And if there are any for some people, the problem isn't with the baby, the child, or the animal. It's fundamentally never with the victim; it's with the perpetrator. Ever heard of consent? No means no, only yes means yes! And making such statements, in my opinion, is nothing more than pure perpetrator protection and solidarity with the perpetrator. But the AfD has another ultimate solution to all problems, especially with regard to women's safety: deport all foreigners, because they are, as we know, the problem, or so the AfD claims. It's the evil foreigners who harass and rape women on the street. I can only say the following from my own experience: It's not migrants I'm afraid of. It's 63-year-old Harald, who half-undresses me with his gaze on the train and grabs his crotch. It's 45-year-old Jakob, who follows me to the train at night. It's my partner who persuades me to have sex. It's the nice-looking man in a club, who bought me a drink and then invited me over because I owed him something. It's one of my friends who sexualizes me and reduces me to my body. It's the German father who catcalled and honked at me from his car while his wife sat next to him. It's my own father who forced me to sleep with him as a child, even though I didn't even know what that meant. It's 30-year-old Thomas who touched me against my will while I was sleeping and then persuaded me to have sex with him another day. And yes, they could be migrants, but it has nothing to do with them not being German. I'm not afraid of origins; I'm afraid of men. Not all of the situations mentioned above have happened to me. But almost every woman has experienced at least one of them in one way or another. All of these are experiences, ideas, and stories that frighten me, that make me run faster at night, keys in my hand. And yes, it's not all men, I don't want to claim that, and I also want to emphasize that such things don't only happen to women, and that male victims have as much right for Justice. But it mostly happens to women, the perpetrator is almost always a man, and it could be anyone. A stranger, a friend, one's own father. A quick comparison: Being afraid of a shark attack is completely understandable, the fear of men is seen as exaggerated, unrealistic, and hysterical, violence against women and femicide are often dismissed as isolated incidents. In direct comparison: a shark attack occurs with a probability of 1 in 3.7 million and is often described as an isolated incident. But one in three women has already experienced sexual or physical violence, 25% of women have experienced it in a relationship, and two in three women have been sexually harassed. And according to some statistics, the number of unreported cases of such cases is significantly higher. But clearly, these are all isolated incidents. So much for protecting women... But the AfD isn't just misogynistic when it comes to safety. It goes even further. To clarify, here's another quote: "I see the distribution of menstrual products to women as similar to giving alcoholics alcohol and smokers cigarettes" (Josef Burkart) Yes, of course, Mr. Burkart, every menstruating person is addicted to bleeding for 5-7 days every month, sometimes experiencing severe pain, often accompanied by headaches and backaches, circulatory problems, nausea, vomiting, and even brief loss of consciousness. And for a natural bodily process, menstruators have to spend a ton of money on painkillers, sanitary pads, tampons, and other individually necessary aids. Smoking and drinking alcohol are a choice; it's a luxury that doesn't need to be able to afford. But menstrual products are essential for a menstruating person, and there are far too many people who struggle financially because of them. Furthermore, the symptoms of menstruating women are sometimes so severe that they can't go to work, and it's often dismissed with "don't be like that." I find that incredibly cheeky, because such statements often come from people who have never experienced menstruation in their lives. If they knew what a person has to endure, in addition to the described symptoms, plus stupid comments like "you're so exhausting, is it your period?" or "your hormones must be going crazy again," they wouldn't talk like that. And I believe that if men menstruated or knew what it felt like, menstrual products would have been free a long time ago, and there would be an extra three days' vacation a month if necessary. So, if you, dear AfD, care so much about women, then you should reconsider your election platform! But, unfortunately, menstrual products aren't the only expense that menstruating people often have to bear. Contraceptives and the morning-after pill are also usually very expensive and often a woman's problem in society, which it shouldn't be! It always takes at least two, so it should be shared fairly! Another cost and a major controversial issue is abortion. The AfD, too, shows how little they care about women's well-being on this issue. According to Paragraph 218, abortion is illegal, but remains unpunished under certain circumstances, for example if accomplished until 12th week oft pregnancy. The election manifesto states the following on this topic: "The right to life is a fundamental human right. Without this right, no other human right can be exercised. Through fertilization, the egg cell develops into a human embryo. However, the unborn child's right to life is diametrically opposed to the mother's wish for abortion (i.e., exactly the opposite). When carefully weighing the interests, abortion must remain the absolute exception, e.g., in cases of criminological or medical indication." (AfD Bundestag election platform 2025) I also believe that abortion should only be considered in an emergency. For example, if a person with an uterus is unintentionally pregnant, regardless of the circumstances. I know that many people at pro-life demonstrations always argue that abortion is murder. Legally speaking, however, murder requires the killing of a human being, taking into account at least one characteristic of murder. A person is a human being from the moment the fetus leaves the uterus. Femicide is murder. An abortion is a pregnant person's right to self-determination. Regarding counter-demonstrations for abortion, I would like to quote Gregor Gysi from the political Party Die Linke: "There is a women's right, that is not a men's right, that is the right to abortion. And it's outrageous that so many men are always freaking out at all the rallies against it. They can't even imagine the situation of an unwanted pregnancy, so they should just shut up for once." Unfortunately, the entire topic of feminism is far too large and complex to be fully covered in one speech. But the fight for self-determination is a fight for human rights, which the AfD is actively pursuing policies against. That's why I'm standing here, that's why we're all standing here today, to show the misogynistic AfD that we don't want unity with a contemptuous party. Our unity is solidarity, diverse, anti-fascistic, and feministic. I believe that if these were all problems that predominantly affected men, solutions would have been found long ago. This shows who most parties are pursuing politics for and how misogynistic society still is in 2025, and that we still need feminism and must fight for it. Finally, I would like to summarize: It doesn't matter whether it's about abortion, physical contact, or clothing choices. I alone have the right to decide and determine what happens to my body. My Body, My Choice. Alerta
16
Femicide
Sydney from Fred.dielinkesocke_official
Speech Contribution: Femicide in Germany Hello everyone, I stand here today with a difficult and very serious topic: femicide – the killing of women because they are women. In 2023, 938 women in Germany became victims of attempted or completed homicide, including 360 completed femicides. For 2024, there are no official figures yet, but civil society organizations have already counted at least 165 women and girls killed. What stands out is that nearly 70 percent of these crimes happen in the domestic sphere, most often committed by ex-partners or current partners. The most recent cases show how urgent it is to take action: In Berlin alone, there have already been 29 femicides this year. In April 2025, another woman was killed by her partner in Berlin-Spandau – despite known warning signs such as previous complaints or restraining orders. How can something like this still happen? The problem is its frequency and proximity: nearly every day in Germany, a woman is killed by male violence. The causes are patriarchal structures, dependency, and insufficient protection measures. Women’s shelters are overburdened, and restraining orders are too rarely enforced. The perpetrators are almost exclusively men, and the decisive factor is not origin, but the interplay of social, cultural, and economic conditions. One-sided blame does not help – it only creates division. Politically, the issue of better protection has been debated for years: more resources for women’s shelters, electronic ankle monitors for dangerous offenders, stronger binding legislation. Yet the need for action remains immense. Femicides are not a marginal problem. Every single case is one too much. We need better data, stronger protection, more prevention, clear political responsibility – and a society that consistently protects women, no matter who the perpetrator is. Thank you.
17
Die große Überschrift
Carla
For almost a year I've been joining "Fred die linke Socke" when they rally against national socialists. Usually that's the "Freie Sachsen", today it's the AfD. I join them because I think it's the right thing to do. And I join despite the fact that from the start I had a feeling that I don't really fit in with this group. I am older than most of the people here, I dress differently, I also talk differently. Sometimes I explain to friends or colleagues why I think it's important to keep taking a stand against right-wing propaganda so it doesn't get socially accepted. And then I often hear something like: "Yeah, but alongside the Antifa...? That's too extreme for my taste.!" Really? What's extreme about this? We listen to music and speak up against hatred. At least the latter should be a matter of course! And there's nothing I'd like to see more than a roar of righteous indignation from mainstream society! I'd be right there with them! But I'd be waiting in vain for that. And that's despite the fact that there are plenty of reasons for said indignation. I'll say it again: taking a stand against hatred and contempt should be a matter of course! There was a time when we as a society agreed that there can never be national socialists in positions of power ever again. Now the AfD is part of our federal parliament! Despite them openly undermining our democracy! Despite its right-wing rhetoric and everything that it is causing: the separation within our society and exclusion and degradation of minorities and different-minded people. The fact that it's the AfD - of all things - celebrating the idea of unity is beyond cynical! But even though everyone knows that, hardly anyone is standing up against them. Do you remember when in January 2024 the "remigration plans" of the right- wing extremists were leaked after that meeting in Potsdam? With the AfD at the forefront? After that we had tens of thousands of people on the streets for weeks in protest and for democracy! How cool was that! But where are those people now? The plans are certainly still there and they are being pursued. It's just the rhetoric that's changed. And suddenly noone cares anymore? And one doesn't even need to be left-wing to be against the AfD. Even if one didn't care much about migrants or minorities or if one wasn't even a fan of democracy. Self-interest alone would suffice! The AfD is not the party for the average people as it so often proclaims. Just take a look at their agenda and their votes in parliament. You'll find the AfD is pro abolition of inheritance tax and pro tax cuts for high-income earners, but against raising the minimum wage and against limiting the increase in rent. I'd say, the biggest part of society won't want that. But where are they? And I could go on: about bans of the rainbow flag, about the German flag in schools, about the so-called "Kleinen Anfragen" in parliament, about cutting funds for projects supporting integration and democracy... the list is endless. But I'm afraid we will need an even bigger scandal than the Potsdam leaks before the human masses are willing to rise and take a stand. But that is important right now! Right now is when we need the ban of this unconstitutional and right-wing extremist party! I don't know what needs to happen to get things in motion, but I do know that we cannot wait any longer! And therefore I am in the right place here and now after all. Regardless of whether I fit in or not. As long as there are people taking a stand against this right-wing madness, I will be with them. And we won't back down. As long as it is necessary. And that's exactly as long as I will be part of it.
18
Free Maja!
Maja collective
Hello dear friends, comrades, and passersby, unfortunately, we cannot be there live today. That’s why you’re hearing me now speaking to you from this tin can. I want to take the opportunity to say a few words about the so-called Budapest Trial and the situation of the accused. What is the Budapest Trial? Since February 2023, several antifascists have been prosecuted, accused of attacking neo-Nazis in Hungary. At the so-called “Day of Honor,” a neo-fascist event in the Hungarian capital, several participants of the gathering were attacked by unknown individuals and in some cases severely injured. In cooperation with the Saxony State Criminal Police Office and the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the Hungarian authorities have launched a massive case primarily against German antifascists. Currently, Maja is on trial before the Budapest City Court. In Germany, Hanna was sentenced to 5 years in prison at the Munich Higher Regional Court two weeks ago. And then there’s Zaid. He turned himself in to the authorities in France last week. Why? The FRG, this racist state, refused to put him on trial in Germany and threatened him with extradition to Hungary, because Zaid does not have a German passport. Who is Maja? Maja is an antifascist from Germany. Maja is nonbinary, meaning they do not identify as either woman or man. After Maja’s photo was published together with many others in the Hungarian and German press, Maja evaded arrest by the authorities for several months. In autumn 2023, Maja became the third accused in the case to be arrested and was imprisoned in Dresden. This was followed in summer 2024 by extradition to Hungary under dubious and ultimately illegal circumstances. Since then, Maja has been held in solitary confinement there and faces trial. As a nonbinary antifascist, Maja is even more affected by repression in Hungary. The Orbán regime refuses to recognize Maja’s gender identity and threatens them with harsh prison conditions. What happens next? Since winter 2025, several more antifascists in Germany have been imprisoned, accused of participating in the attacks in Budapest. In the foreseeable future, a larger trial will be launched in Düsseldorf. In addition, starting in November 2025, the second part of the Antifa Ost Trial will take place in Dresden. Here too, defendants are accused of involvement in Budapest. Maja’s situation remains dire. After the hunger strike in summer 2025 due to unbearable prison conditions, hardly anything has changed. A few soothing words from politicians in Germany – and that’s it. We continue to demand Maja’s return. The extradition to Hungary was illegal. The Federal Constitutional Court has ruled on this. Bring Maja back to Germany! But the situation is also threatening for the other defendants. To prepare for the trial in Dresden, we will meet on October 20 at 7 p.m. for an open assembly at AZ Conni. If you want to get involved, come on October 20 at 7 p.m. to AZ Conni. We are facing an almost incomprehensible fascist threat today – in Germany, in Europe, and indeed worldwide. We must oppose this: as antifascists and as internationalists. This also means taking our self-defense into our own hands. We defend ourselves against fascist attacks in the streets and in our neighborhoods! We fight against the fascist developments in the FRG, which are being driven forward with ever new deportation laws from the Greens to the CDU! Never again fascism!