Mayor warns: Neo-Nazis are pressing relentlessly in Spremberg!

Mayor warns: Neo-Nazis are pressing relentlessly in Spremberg!

In Lusatia, more precisely in the city of Spremberg, mayor Christine Herntier (*independent*) is sounding the alarm. The city leader, elected in 2014, expresses concern about the growing influence of the neo-Nazi micro-party “The Third Way”. Right-wing extremist stickers and posters have been drawing attention to themselves in the streets and at the train station for months. Claims like “Germany for the Germans” are not only provocative, they also fuel fear and uncertainty within the population. Citizens are increasingly coming to their office and desperately asking whether they can stay in the city or even move away, as rbb24 reports.

"Where does this all lead? Who's in charge here?" Herntier asks, getting to the heart of the residents' concerns. It's not just adults who are affected; Young people are also attracted to neo-Nazi activities. Benny Stobinsky, a social worker and city councilor, observes that more and more children, even ages 12 to 14, are becoming radicalized. In schools, teachers and students are reporting a worrying increase in Hitler salutes and swastika symbolism. Herntier wants to use public attention to support those affected and mobilize civil society to fight against this regression in society.

Actions and reactions

The activities of the neo-Nazi party are not limited to propaganda. They repeatedly carry out military-like sports exercises for young people in the city park. These eerie measures, combined with the flood of stickers and posters, create an eerie atmosphere in Spremberg. As maz-online reports, the population is showing great despair and some residents even cried when they reported the situation.

The city council in Spremberg is faced with a burgeoning challenge. The AfD is the strongest faction, and concerns about right-wing influence complicate discussions within political bodies. Herntier has already successfully run against an AfD candidate in 2021, but the situation remains tense.

A look into the future

In order to draw attention to the situation, a report about the new generation of right-wing extremists in Lausitz will be broadcast on rbb television on July 23rd. The goal is clear: it is about making the population aware of the danger of right-wing radicalism and taking active action against this development.

However, the desperation prevailing in Spremberg reflects a broader social challenge. Mayor Christine Herntier is fighting these phenomena on the front lines and hopes that through her efforts and the mobilization of civil society, positive change will be possible.