A signal against right-wing extremism, racism, hatred and rebellion was set up in front of the town hall in Waidhofen on Sunday evening: more than 50 participants came with candles and lanterns to a rally organized by Mariana Jelinek under the slogan “Defend democracy”.
He offered an overview of the historical development of democracy from ancient Greece to the Second Republic of Austria, which he described as a small, young plant that must be nurtured and nurtured.
A sea of lights for democracy: more than 50 participants in Waidhofen.
Friday for the Future called for light campaigns across Austria on February 25 under the motto “Let's defend democracy”. A rally was also held in front of the town hall in Waidhofen.
Author Robert Kroner reads a speech by Louis Rinser describing the change in mood in Germany from 1930 to 1933. “You can tell the state of democracy by how we treat each other. A democracy that votes for a certain group of people to leave the country is not a democracy, but a totalitarian state,” Greiner pointed out.
Renate Brandner-Wais from the Waldviertel Energy Roundtable warned that democracy is fragile and needs to be built and improved every day. Mayor Josef Ramharter (ÖVP) called on people to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections at its smallest level of democratic work – the local council.
“Fake news” is a growing threat
Deputy Mayor Martin Litschauer warned of the growing danger of fake news on social media: “Spreading hate, fake news and lies is not freedom of expression,” Litschauer clarified. Social media and newspapers can be prevented from being flooded with fake news and emphasize the important role of media as the fourth estate of the state.
Former high school professor Johann Schiller made an important point: “A political scientist once said that no two democracies are at war against each other.” Finally, city councilor Herbert Hoffel (IG Waidhofen) pointed out that for him, democracy is about listening. Others and show empathy.
Representatives of all parties except the FPÖ attended the rally in Witthofen City Council.
