Mayor warns of increasing influence of neo-Nazis

Simson mopeds as a symbol of right-wing ideology

In it, the non-party politician writes: "How can it be that the popular GDR brand Simson Suhl has become a symbol of a backward-looking, and indeed very far backward-looking, idea? (...) How can it be that teachers and pupils from both secondary schools come to me, full of anger and fear, and tell me things that I didn't think were possible?" She was also begged "not to say anything". However, the right-wing extremist activities had become a threat.

"Spreading a cloak of silence" about it and pretending that everything is fine certainly strengthens this group, says Herntier. The mayor particularly mentions the small party Der Dritte Weg. According to the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, this party represents a right-wing extremist view of the state and society.

Social worker is aware of right-wing actions on social media

Social worker Benny Stobinski explains that "Heil Hitler" is shouted openly and the so-called white power salute is shown. This hand gesture is used in the far-right scene and, unlike the Hitler salute, is not banned. The pictures made the rounds on social networks. So far, they have not been roaming the streets with baseball bats, as Stobinski says. "But there may come a point when they start picking out marginalized groups to attack."

Herntier: The city can't solve this on its own

What can the city do now? There will be a security service, hints Mayor Herntier. She also wants to create "new meeting spaces", without naming the exact project. It is still in development, she says.

As mayor, however, she cannot tackle the problem alone. "The letter is aimed at many people," says Herntier. "I hope that people will recognize that this is not just an issue for Spremberg, but an issue that goes much deeper." The mayor would also like to install video cameras in hotspots, but says she is being held back by data protection issues. "A city needs help from the police and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution."

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