Social Items

Under the slogan, «One Europe for All-Your voice against nationalism» more than 150 organizations in Germany and European cities are calling for demonstrations. Photo: Christian Charisius

In a week's come, there will be a European election, and many fear an upsurge in right-wing populists. On the other hand, they have sent out a strong signal on the streets of many major German cities, but also outside Germany.

 Köln/Berlin (AP)-A week before the European elections, many tens of thousands of people demonstrated for European unification and against nationalism in large-scale nationwide demonstrations.

 The organizers spoke on Sunday of 150,000 participants across Germany. By her account, the largest event in Cologne alone put her at 45,000 attendees, while other observers were more likely to expect 20,000. For other locations, police or observers also rated the numbers lower in some cases. Demonstrations were also held in other European cities.

 To the rallies under the slogan «A Europe for All-Your voice against nationalism» had called more than 70 organizations and associations. Across Europe, a signal should be sent against the international shift to the right and for a Europe of human rights, democracy, social justice, and climate protection.

 The upcoming European election is a «decision on the future of the European Union» the call said. On Sunday morning, among others, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called for participation in the demonstrations. «Power, be loud! We are the majority, not the eternal yesterday and nationalists» he wrote on Twitter.

 After the opening speeches, protesters paraded through the inner cities carrying signs, balloons, flags, and banners. Many waved European flags. In Leipzig, the invitation was «What do you stand for? Show attitude! Go choose!» sprayed on the tarmac. In Frankfurt, Lord Mayor Peter Feldmann (SPD) said at the Opera Square rally: «It's madness what's going on in the city center today.»

 In Cologne, Werner Uerdingen came to Cologne Cathedral from Leverkusen with a large European flag. «I'm in the 66th year now, I don't know war,» he said. «I want my grandson to have peace in Europe for the next 60 years as well. And if we do not make sure today-including with this event-I see all black, when the nationalists and populists get majorities in the European Parliament.»

 The largest event with 50,000 participants nationwide was actually expected in Berlin. According to the organizers, however, it remained at 20,000. There were around 10,000 people on the streets in Munich, according to police, with event organizers reporting twice as many. In Frankfurt there were 14,000 (police) to 16,000 (organizers) on the street, in Hamburg 10,000 (police) to 15,000 (organizers).

Many tens of thousands demonstrate against nationalism

Under the slogan, «One Europe for All-Your voice against nationalism» more than 150 organizations in Germany and European cities are calling for demonstrations. Photo: Christian Charisius

In a week's come, there will be a European election, and many fear an upsurge in right-wing populists. On the other hand, they have sent out a strong signal on the streets of many major German cities, but also outside Germany.

 Köln/Berlin (AP)-A week before the European elections, many tens of thousands of people demonstrated for European unification and against nationalism in large-scale nationwide demonstrations.

 The organizers spoke on Sunday of 150,000 participants across Germany. By her account, the largest event in Cologne alone put her at 45,000 attendees, while other observers were more likely to expect 20,000. For other locations, police or observers also rated the numbers lower in some cases. Demonstrations were also held in other European cities.

 To the rallies under the slogan «A Europe for All-Your voice against nationalism» had called more than 70 organizations and associations. Across Europe, a signal should be sent against the international shift to the right and for a Europe of human rights, democracy, social justice, and climate protection.

 The upcoming European election is a «decision on the future of the European Union» the call said. On Sunday morning, among others, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called for participation in the demonstrations. «Power, be loud! We are the majority, not the eternal yesterday and nationalists» he wrote on Twitter.

 After the opening speeches, protesters paraded through the inner cities carrying signs, balloons, flags, and banners. Many waved European flags. In Leipzig, the invitation was «What do you stand for? Show attitude! Go choose!» sprayed on the tarmac. In Frankfurt, Lord Mayor Peter Feldmann (SPD) said at the Opera Square rally: «It's madness what's going on in the city center today.»

 In Cologne, Werner Uerdingen came to Cologne Cathedral from Leverkusen with a large European flag. «I'm in the 66th year now, I don't know war,» he said. «I want my grandson to have peace in Europe for the next 60 years as well. And if we do not make sure today-including with this event-I see all black, when the nationalists and populists get majorities in the European Parliament.»

 The largest event with 50,000 participants nationwide was actually expected in Berlin. According to the organizers, however, it remained at 20,000. There were around 10,000 people on the streets in Munich, according to police, with event organizers reporting twice as many. In Frankfurt there were 14,000 (police) to 16,000 (organizers) on the street, in Hamburg 10,000 (police) to 15,000 (organizers).
News

No comments

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)