Mayor was missing: Rally against AfD attracts over 1000 participants!

Mayor was missing: Rally against AfD attracts over 1000 participants!

On Saturday, January 19, 2026, an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 people gathered on Wurstmarktplatz in Bad Dürkheim to protest against an AfD election campaign event. The mood was tense and the participants demanded a clear signal against right-wing extremism. However, the city administration reported that Mayor Natalie Bauernschmitt (CDU) was not there that day. Her absence was officially justified by the general conditions of her office, which caused debate among the public. Rheinpfalz reported on the rally and the different numbers of participants, while the organizers spoke of up to 3,000 demonstrators.

Similar events are currently taking place in other German cities. On Monday evening, another rally against fascism was organized in Bad Fallingbostel, which attracted almost 2,000 people. District Administrator Jens Grote pointed out that there was no place for right-wing extremism in the Heidekreis. His words bordered on a reminder to society to stand together against the dangers of discrimination and hatred. Kreizeitung

Call for solidarity and discussion

The demonstration in Bad Fallingbostel attracted a wide range of supporters, including union representatives, who called for stronger democratic alliance work. The evening was characterized by emotional speeches that placed the responsibility of society in the foreground. Two pastors talked about their experiences during the pogrom night in 1945 and a young person read a report about an expelled Jewish family. Musically accompanied by the district music school and the local school, the evening concluded with an impressive image from over 1000 glowing cell phone cameras. Such events are an important sign in times in which right-wing extremist tendencies continue to come to the fore.

In order to better understand the phenomenon of right-wing extremism, a clear definition and prevention is of great importance. Because the causes are complex. According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, social, economic and psychological factors can play a role. Research has recognized that there are very different individual and social risk factors that can lead to the emergence of extremist ideologies. Personal experiences such as discrimination, coupled with a feeling of lack of prospects, also contribute to radicalization. bpb

In our country it is therefore essential that we take a clear stance against right-wing tendencies. The focus is on exchanging ideas and promoting a society that demands respect and equal treatment for all. Only through actively practicing democracy and treating each other with respect can we prevent old wounds from being opened and a return to discriminatory thoughts and actions.