On Wednesday, 12 March 2025, Sascha Schmidt, a renowned expert on extermism, gave an urgent lecture on the topic of ‘Right-wing terror in the Main-Kinzig district’ at the district assembly of the Green Main-Kinzig district in Wächtersbach, highlighting the increasing networking of right-wing extremist structures. The well-attended event took place against the background of the recent Bundestag election, which saw a worrying increase in votes for the AfD.
Schmidt used concrete examples to show how right-wing ideologies specifically fuel insecurity and fear and how digital platforms influence them. But there is also a strong counter-movement: Those present stressed the importance of a defence-based democracy and a committed civil society that resolutely opposes hatred and hate speech.
"It is our duty as a democratic party to remain vigilant and stand up for our values together, especially now that the high proportions of AfD votes show the importance of education and dialogue," said Thomas Gassen, spokesperson for the Green Main-Kinzig board. "The presentation showed us all that we must not only react, but actively strengthen social cohesion. We do not allow hatred to prevail – we rely on dialogue, education and a policy that takes everyone with it and offers real solutions.”
"The fact that so many people have voted for the AfD shows how urgently we need to enlighten as a democratic society and stand up for our values," says Thomas Gassen, spokesman for the Green Main-Kinzig board. “Democracy thrives on the commitment of many – and we must not leave people to the simple slogans of the far-right. At the same time, however, we also see that more and more people are willing to oppose right-wing incitement. This gives us courage and shows that we as a society are stronger than those who want to divide.”
English (UK)