Stopp Authoritarianism!
For self-organization and solidarity!
Everyone is now looking at the AfD as the enemy of democracy. But it is not just the AfD, that is threatening our freedom with its fascist views. Authoritarian ideas are again widespread in society and authoritarian measures are popular among political parties. People believe in strong leaders, who solve social problems and political actors are happy to accept this and try to solve social crises by restricting freedom.
But what exactly does that mean?
Authoritarianism is an anti-democratic, anti-pluralistic attitude and advocates clear hierarchies, subordination and obedience. In current German politics, this means: more surveillance, more control, more police, more state, more leadership! – No solution to social problems!
In recent years, police laws have been tightened in almost all federal states, giving the police more powers. There is currently a debate in Saxony about reforming the Assembly Act, which restricts our rights at public events such as demonstrations. With the amendment to §129, people who oppose current policies, such as climate activists and anti-fascists, can now be convicted without concrete evidence. Membership of a group constructed by the investigating authorities is sufficient.
Authoritarianism and capitalism go hand in hand and pursue similar interests. During the last major wave of strikes by the train drivers’ union this year, companies, politicians and the media discussed the ban on strikes intensively. While institutions such as Frontex advertise themselves with rainbow flags and thus engage in neoliberal pinkwashing, Saxon schools are advised not to use gender-sensitive language in schools and NGOs are even banned in the funding guidelines. This is not just about the star, but about the question of who is allowed to be part of this society and who is not. These are just a few examples in a long list! This is countered by traditions, conservative values and nationalism.
Compared to other places in the world, we certainly live in relative freedom. This makes it all the more enraging to see the broad social support for authoritarian ideas. Nothing has been learned neither from history nor from the present.
We have to defend ourselves against these developments! Everything is necessary, but not more authoritarian measures. Social problems will not be solved by cutting funds and criminalizing poverty, migration issues will not be solved by deportations, higher walls and payment cards for asylum seekers. Climate change will not be stopped by continuing as we are, but will worsen social problems and drive people out of their homes. Capitalism only works through the exploitation and oppression of people.
We have to engage collectively and in solidarity locally and globally. We have to fight against the isolation of people in everyday life and organize ourselves in the neighbourhood, at school and at work. We have to live alternatives on a small scale in order to be able to implement them on a large scale without waiting for the state or leaders.
With the campaign Stop Authoritarianism, we want to problematize authoritarian and right-wing developments in our society in the 2024 election year, from the AfD to the middle of society.
We are fighting for a free society and highlighting alternatives and opportunities for self-organization.
We want to contribute to the political discourse with an information campaign and actions.
JOIN US AND GET INVOLVED!
Go back to campaign page.