Leon Walter in the election campaign: Brave fight against right -wing extremists in Greiz

Leon Walter in the election campaign: Brave fight against right -wing extremists in Greiz

The Thuringian election campaign has developed into a nerve-wracking challenge for 22-year-old Leon Walter, who competes for the left in Greiz. The presence of Björn Höcke, the controversial AfD boss, who changes from the Eichsfeld to Greiz, has dramatically changed the political landscape in the region. Walter, who once had the feeling of learning politics as part of his training, suddenly sees himself as a target of right -wing extremists and has to assert himself in an increasingly hostile environment.

In the run -up to the election, Walter indicated that he no longer dares to go out of the house without a pepper spray. The pressure increases, because Höcke's presence not only mobilizes his followers, but also attracts a problematic amount of violent violent. Recently, Walter was on the way home with party colleagues from a democratic test when they were attacked by a group of around fifteen people. "They roared: Leon, we'll get you," Walter recalls the moment when fear and aggression gained the upper hand for a moment.

unusual threat

Walter is aware that with every poster he hangs up, the danger grows. His confrontation with Höcke is not just a personal matter. It is a political power struggle in a region in which the neo-Nazi scene has been active for years. "You can now see me all over the city because my portrait is next to Höcke's posters," says Walter, who is amazed that some neo -Nazis obviously is familiar with the neighborhood while they follow it. The fact that one of the assault participants works as a civil servant in the city administration increases the absurdity of the situation for Walter.

The right -wing extremist scene experiences an upswing in East Thuringia. Experts report on growing activities in the past few months that are particularly noticeable in the region. At first glance, Greiz seems to be a calm, almost idyllic city, but it is bubbling under the surface. Walter wonders how such radicalization can arise, while the history of the city is shaped by industrial upheavals - of unemployment after reunification and closure of companies.

The confrontation with the right -wing extremist ideology, which uses extremist symbols such as the "Black Sun", brings Walter into an almost Kafkaesque reality. The young politician feels “scary” when he thinks about talking to people in a marketplace, while potential attackers lurk nearby. Despite these threats, he realizes that he does not want to show fear. "I don't want to pinch," says Walter, underlining his determination to continue to work for his beliefs.

an election campaign in the sign of the argument

Before the election, Walter developed a new strategy: he focuses on holding direct conversations with the voters in order to bring politics closer to them. "I don't stand up and say that I am the best. I want to know where the shoe is pressing," he explains. He encounters the concerns and fears of people - whether it is about broken sidewalks or pension questions. The political discussions have often been superficial in the past, but now he wants to tackle real problems.

Despite the challenges, Walter is also supported by his surroundings. "My family and friends are afraid," he admits, "but they also give me strength". However, it is not just the fear of physical attacks that affect him. The increasing expectations of his own party also put him under pressure. A friend from the Bundestag was welcomed Walter with the words "Well, you dragon slayer", which reflects the enormous pressure he feels to pass in this election campaign.

The urgency of political Engagement

Due to the lived reality of the election campaign, it becomes clear that Leon Walter competes not only against Björn Höcke, but against an entire ideology. The election campaign is a struggle for dignity and the values of a democratic society. "I have to go ahead with a good example," says Walter and remembers that as a member of parliament he only wants to keep as much as his diet as he deserves from his current job. Walter wants to help specifically and find solutions for the everyday problems of people. In a political landscape that is shaped by extremism and fear, the question remains how many others and how he spend the courage to show themselves despite the massive threats.

The political landscape in Thuringia is shaped by a variety of factors that go back until Germany's reunification. In recent decades, the left has established itself as a significant force, especially after the elections in 2014 when it took over government responsibility in Thuringia. The AfD, on the other hand, has quickly gained influence since its foundation in 2013, especially in the eastern federal states, where it scored with topics such as asylum policy and rural development.

Greiz, the hometown of Leon Walter, has a changeable story. Since the 1990s, the city has struggled with economic difficulties caused by the decline of the textile industry. These economic problems have not only led to emigration of workers, but also to radicalize certain population groups that turned to inappropriate and discriminatory ideologies. The AfD used this dissatisfaction for itself, which increases its popularity in the region.

increasing violence and right-wing extremist activities

The increasing violence by right-wing extremist groups is a worrying phenomenon that has repeatedly appeared in the news in recent years. According to a report by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the number of politically motivated crimes in Germany, especially in the area of right -wing extremism, rose continuously. In 2022, over 3,000 crimes were registered in connection with right -wing extremism, which is an alarming increase compared to previous years.

In Thuringia, this trend is particularly clearly reflected. The right scene is particularly active and the number of attacks on political opponents or migrant people has increased. Numerous reports from local politicians and activists, as well as Walter, indicate that the unrest and danger lie in the air, especially during campaign events or public appearances.

Commitment to democracy

Leon Walter’s commitment to the left and his active entry against the rights are of great importance for local democracy. He sees the dialogue with the citizens as essential to take their worries and fears seriously. This strategy of personal contact could not only help to gain voices, but also to set a strong sign against isolation and polarization that are promoted by extremist groups.

To promote this dialogue, Walter plans to find events in his community, where citizens can find out more and put their concerns. This initiative could act as a model for other politicians inside and outside the city, which must also face the challenges of a polarized society. In addition to personal commitment, the constant observation and analysis of the situation by scientists and political institutions is necessary in order to be able to keep an eye on future developments.