Clear distancing of Esch

Green district board criticises participation of Neuberger group presidents in "Monday walk"

"We clearly distance ourselves from the chairman of the Greens' parliamentary group in Neuberg, Melanie Esch," said Viola Haßdenteufel and Ahmet Cetiner, spokesperson for the Main-Kinzig Green Circle Association. This is due to Esch’s participation in a ‘Monday walk’ against the coronavirus regulations.

Participation in a Monday demonstration of lateral thinkers is incompatible with the Green understanding of democratic work and the clear renunciation of cooperation and support for right-wing parties: “Monday walks are organised by representatives of AfD, NPD, 3. It was also used by conspiracy theorists, right-wing extremists and Reich citizens to express their opposition to the Federal Republic of Germany and the political system.’

Haßdenteufel and Cetiner clarify that they “fully support the current orders to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus and its measures. They are an attempt to tackle the pandemic, prevent congestion in intensive care units in hospitals and provide good medical care to all people, including those who do not have COVID.”

Fears and hardships of fellow citizens must be taken seriously. And decisions of state and political institutions can and should also be critically questioned in a democracy. “Freedom of expression and freedom of demonstration are among our highest assets. However, this does not justify taking part in the "walks" as Green Group Chairs", Haßdenteufel and Cetiner clarify. In many places, the ‘walks’ are also unannounced, illegal and provide breeding ground for targeted violent attacks against journalists and members of the police.

Like the Green parliamentary group, the district executive also supports the Main-Kinzig-Kreis’ declaration of ‘openness, respect and solidarity’ and calls on the citizens of the Main-Kinzig-Kreis to sign the declaration. "By signing the declaration, we clearly show that: We support the majority of our population and are willing to limit our lives a little to save lives.”