Vigil in Anklam: Citizens stand up against right -wing extremism!

Vigil in Anklam: Citizens stand up against right -wing extremism!

A normal morning at the Anklamer Bahnhof - travelers are patiently waiting for their trains when the atmosphere suddenly changes. The police are present and several team wagons from the riot police are ready. The reason? An announced meeting of neo -Nazis from various parts of Germany, which is organized by the right -wing extremist party "Die Homel". Originally, up to 200 participants had been expected, but the real number of June 15, 2025 is only about 50 people, such as [Nordkurier] (https://www.nordkurier.de/regional/anklam/mahnwache- against-rechtsextreme-in-anklam-klare-krikt-3669979).

Against this right -wing extremist mobilization, the alliance "Greifswald for all" organized a vigil at short notice. Around 30 good souls can be found there, led by the Protestant pastor Helge Jörgensen, who occurs with a transparent for love of people. The left-wing national politician Jeannine Rösler and the former SPD member of the Bundestag Erik von Malottki also show flag and support this counter-protest. Mayor Michael Galander praises the initiative of the vigil, but at the same time expresses his criticism of urban politics, which has failed to position itself more against such meetings.

a critical aftermath for urban politics

"Human love demands clarity - Evangelical Church against right -wing extremism", according to Pastor Jörgensen. He underlines the urgency to stand against the neo -Nazis. In fact, the day shows that the citizens in Anklam no longer want to look away. Dr. Georg Becker from the social-ecological citizens' platform also speaks loudly against right-wing extremist mobilization. The vigil will end after a few speeches around noon, while a possibly important meeting of the right -wing extremist scene in neighboring Salchow is coming up in the evening, always with the police nearby.

The reporting is reminiscent of previous demonstrations, such as in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district, where over 30 demonstrations took place in January 2024. In Anklam, at that time against the traffic light coalition and its savings projects in agriculture, the right-wing extremist influence could be kept under control, at least here. Here the protest was to be operated by the right -wing extremist party “Die Homel”, which was previously also the focus. In this way, the infestation of protesting citizens through extreme political currents is repeatedly reported to the problem, such as NDR

a shadow of the past

The history of the NPD, the oldest right -wing extremist party in Germany, can hardly be ignored. Founded in 1964, the party experienced various ups and downs, as the website of the constitutional protection explains. The number of members fluctuates strongly and refers to profound radicalization and despair of prevailing in the political landscape. Currently there are only around 5,200 members, and the NPD has repeatedly emerged over the years as a focus of observation for the protection of the constitution, especially in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

in Anklam, where the history of right -wing extremists are a constant dark side of the political events, today's counter -protest shows that many citizens are not willing to watch these currents. The tireless use of groups such as "Greifswald for everyone" and the clear attitude of mayors and church representatives could be a turning point in dealing with right -wing extremism. Even if only a small part of the population becomes active, this courage has a great effect.