According to organizers, more than 200,000 people demonstrated against right-wing extremism in Munich – the demonstration was canceled due to overcrowding. The alliance is broad – from leftists to CSU politicians, says BR correspondent Christina Schmitt.
The police had expected 25,000 participants in the demonstration against right-wing extremism in Munich. Far more came. The organizers speak of up to 250,000. Due to overcrowding, the demonstration was canceled, which was supposed to pass, among other things, the Danubia Munich fraternity, which the Bavarian Office for the Protection of the Constitution has classified as right-wing extremist.
But the protests continued at the Siegestor in Munich, says BR correspondent Christina Schmitt. People are standing from Odeonsplatz to Münchner Freiheit. “There’s a lot going on here, all age groups are there.” There is a broad alliance of diverse people on site, says Schmitt.
CSU politicians also take part
“I was in the front row earlier. It wasn’t just SPD and Green Party politicians from the city area like Dieter Reiter, the mayor of Munich. CSU members were also there.”
The former Minister of Education Michael Piazolo told her: “Of course there are many left-wingers involved, but I have to clearly take a stand against right-wing extremism. I support the protest.” Conservatives also seemed to take a clear position at the demo and wanted to show an edge against the right. In some cases, however, they did not like the direction of the protest, because anti-fascist groups, some of which were being monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, also took part in the protest, said Schmitt.
“Everyone can agree that they want to take action against right-wing radicals, including in the future,” summarizes Schmitt. The organizers in Munich have announced that they want to register further demonstrations.