The CDU and AfD Want to Reject the Stolpersteine in Heidenau

City council members from the AfD and CDU want to oppose the installation of so-called “Stolpersteine” in Heidenau (Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains district) in the future. In a cross-party motion for a resolution, together with the “Upper Elbe Alliance for More Democracy,” representatives of the two parties are calling for the rejection of Stolpersteine “in public streets and sidewalks” in the future. The city council is scheduled to vote on a corresponding resolution this evening. The “Bild” newspaper had previously reported on this.

The motion goes on to state that many citizens, relatives, and advocacy groups consider this form of commemorating victims of National Socialism to be inappropriate. Instead, commemoration should preferably take place at the city’s Nordfriedhof cemetery, “so that direct contact with the memorial elements is prevented.”

Administration Opposes the Motion

The administration recommends rejecting the motion. “Commemoration should continue to take place in a visible and perceptible manner in public spaces,” the statement reads.

According to the report, there are already Stolpersteine at two locations in Heidenau—including one commemorating the former mayor of Heidenau, Paul Gröger. Last year, the Alternative Culture and Education Center Saxon Switzerland, based in neighboring Pirna, had already applied for the installation of additional Stolpersteine.

The Stolpersteine as a form of remembrance have existed since the 1990s. The paving stones—which are typically funded by donations and bear the names of victims of National Socialism—are laid at the victims’ last known place of residence or activity.