Demonstrations against the right: 100,000 reasons for hope

There were many reasons to be afraid again this weekend - about artificial intelligence, which, according to experts, could get out of control in six months, and about human stupidity, which is causing wars to escalate further and which, according to surveys, is likely to contribute to further AfD successes in the state elections next Sunday. But there were also more than 100,000 reasons to be hopeful.

More than 100,000 people refused to be intimidated by all the horror scenarios. They became active, undauntedly taking to the streets to stand up for queer rights at two CSD parades in Halle and Wismar as well as at numerous other demonstrations for diversity and against the shift to the right across Germany.

One can now ponder for a long time whether the number of demonstrators is rather high or too low in view of the acute danger of the AfD taking power in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The commitment of the 100,000 is definitely better than doing nothing, sitting on the sofa or at the desk complaining that no one is stopping the AfD's advance.

The 100,000 have certainly not brought about a political change. Of course not. But it's also simply about making it clear that the AfD has to expect resistance if it tries to live out its violent fantasies against minorities and people who think differently. It's about someone stepping up to protect their potential victims and people everywhere remaining in stable solidarity.

The taz is an independent, left-wing and opinionated daily newspaper. We have been arguing in our comments, essays and debate texts since the taz was founded in 1979. We often cannot and do not want to agree on an opinion. That's why you'll find some completely opposing positions here - all part of the very broad left-wing spectrum of opinions.

The regional distribution was therefore more important than the total number. It wasn't just the usual left-wing bubble in Berlin-Mitte that demonstrated, but people all over the country, in the east and west, in the north and south.

This can be built on if the protest is expressed creatively, colorfully, non-violently and, yes, cheerfully, as was the case at many demonstrations at the weekend. There are enough grouches in party politics. This is also why they lost to the right-wing extremist radiator Siegmund. If the commitment to democracy is to become greater, which is urgently needed, it must be attractive to as many people as possible.

Simply being in favor of a ban on the AfD will not be enough. There is not even agreement in the left-wing camp about the ban. It seems undemocratic to many, especially right before or after elections. In addition, it will hardly convince people who lean towards the AfD. On the contrary. Fighting confidently for diversity and concrete goals, like at the CSDs, is much more promising. Hopefully.