Response from Bonn

Saturday noon in the central square of Bad Gondesberg, the historical suburb of Bonn, which is largely reflected in Germany’s current reality. In one piece, under the train lines, the old noble neighborhood with expensive villas. On the other side of colorful residential complexes, where sounds in Turkish and Arabic are dominated.

Tables out for parties

The sun has come out after endless gray days and people have taken to the streets, no matter how cold is still noticeable. Opportunity for the volunteers of the parties to set up their tables, with umbrellas or not, and to distribute leaflets to the world with their program, as well as some little gifts: pens, handkerchiefs, keychains, and even jellies … they are all there . The Christian Democrats of the CDU first and a little further away from others, as if they want to show their difference with the spatial distance. Socialists, liberals, left, green in a few steps away.

What stands out in the center of the square in front of the city’s theater is the blue tent of the alternative to Germany. However, some of its members are looking at them embarrassed in front of them, confronted with a … unexpected visit. Many others, most of them, have been lined up against them and have unfolded a banner with the slogan “Bonn remains Bonn. No space for the far right. “

The slogan with chalk

One of them surprises them by taking a chalk in his hand, writing on the “fascists” tiles, with a arrow showing the AfD stand. When he starts doing it for the second time trying to … circle them with slogans, one of the most courageous blue group (blue is the color of AfD) comes and stands in front of him. The anti -fascist demonstrator continues unmistakable, deleting a circle around his leg. Officers from Vanaki who are parked a few meters by side are watching. This is the only moment when the two … camps are coming so close.

How to break down myths

Some passers -by are curious and watched with curiosity. Some take the brochure, shared by anti -fascist activists. One of them, Marika, about 30, is looking for a dialogue with passers -by, especially with older voters, who seem to necessarily not approve of this mild activist reaction.

I am approaching and listening to her dialogue with a pensioner who seems ready to hear, but insists on the argument of mass rape by foreigners. He replies with calm and humor: “I was the only rape I have heard was from an Austrian, but you probably don’t consider him a stranger.” The pensioner is moving away and I ask Marika why he does. “Some have to resist the far -right,” he replies.

AfD has the money

We are talking about the major anti -fascist demonstrations of recent weeks. On the same day in Munich was over 250,000 that responded to such a call. “Nothing is lost. We still have hope. Okay, there are some who are already lost. They just find us, but there are many who hear. ” Marika admits that it is difficult to respond to consolidated stereotypes and myths against foreigners. He is not afraid to do this publicly here in Bonn, but in some parts of the former East Germany he might be afraid.

It is responsible for this to the rulers, including conservative states of state who have cut social benefits in recent years, which have found the opportunity to replace the far -right with their actions. “They have money” he tells me and can represent the pro -bishops. Frounded, he admits that unfortunately the left (overall) failed to keep in touch with poor people.

Two weeks full of adrenaline

I approach a young student from those who hold the banner. He wears a mask. I do not know if it does it only for protection against viruses or even for fear of being fully recognizable. “I’m here because I can’t do that I don’t see what’s going on in the country,” he replies. It declares young in the organization and relatively inexperienced. But it assures me that where the AfD appears in the area in the coming days, they will be with their banners. “We will not leave them quiet. They should not feel that they are strong and can do whatever they want, ”he explains. I say goodbye and wish him good luck. The next two weeks will definitely be full of adrenaline. And for him and for the whole political system.