They want to set an example: Oberammergau local associations are putting on a demonstration for democracy and diversity. There are familiar faces there.
Oberammergau – there were 2,000 people in Murnau in February and 2,000 people in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in March. They all took to the streets to show their colors. For democracy. Against the right wing. The next round starts on Sunday, April 28th – this time in Oberammergau. On the initiative of various local associations, including the Catholic Women's Association, the church choir, the Bunte Liste, the VdK local group and the historical association, another demonstration will take place under the motto “Together for democracy and diversity”.
The idea has been floating around in Ludwig Utschneider's head since January, since the actions in Munich, among other places. “I was thinking about why nothing was happening in Ammergau,” says the chairman of the historical association and local council. “Especially with our story about the Passion.” The vow game ultimately attracts visitors from all over the world. A colorful variety. Utschneider gathered a team and got to work.
Demo in Oberammergau: date deliberately chosen
A suitable date had to be found. Ideally one with historical significance. The high school teacher for German, history and social studies and his colleagues found a suitable date. Because almost exactly 79 years ago - on April 29, 1945 - the National Socialist dictatorship and the Second World War ended for Oberammergau with the invasion of US troops. For almost eight decades now, the citizens of Oberammergau have had the privilege of living in peace, emphasizes Utschneider. In addition, the Basic Law will celebrate its 75th birthday in a few weeks. The Federal Republic and with it democracy in Germany has existed for 75 years. Both are reasons enough to use a joint event to remind people of the value that democracy and diversity have for coexistence. “And both are at risk, as both extremist positions and political disenchantment are increasing.” Setting an example is what Oberammergau is all about.
A kick-off event is planned that begins at 4 p.m. at the Passion Theater. Mayor Andreas Rödl (CSU) and District Administrator Anton Speer (Free Voters), among others, addressed greetings to the participants. How many show up this time? Difficult to say, says Utschneider, who will chair the meeting. The event was registered with the district office for 200 people. “I can’t judge whether that’s too deep,” he says. “We have zero experience.” The obligatory coordination meeting with the district office, which is still to come, will provide information. If more appear, that's of course right. The more meaningful the event.
Demo in Oberammergau: Christian Stückl and Florian Streibl with speeches
And it shouldn't fail to have its effect. That's why the initiators decided, among other things, to march through the town. Even if only a short distance. The process does not lack a certain dramaturgy - typical for Oberammergau. At the Passion Theater, history is recalled and the horrors of the dictatorship are remembered. Afterwards, people move to the music pavilion at the Ammergauer Haus. The topic there: “What does democracy mean to us today?” Florian Streibl, leader of the Free Voters parliamentary group in the state parliament, takes the microphone there. At the Maximilianeum, “he is massively committed to democracy,” Utschneider attests to the local politician. Passion play director Christian Stückl is another prominent face speaking, as is stand-up comedian Hani Who, a native of Afghanistan who lives in Oberammergau. The Protestant pastor Heike-Andrea Brunner-Wild and her Catholic colleague Albert Hack also take part in the demonstration. Finally, there's something else for your ears - the group “Ghost Film” around local David Lück performs. A diverse program for diversity.