University groups on the demo of "Der Dritte Weg"

On 18.02., the demonstration by the Nazi party "Dritter Weg" took place in Würzburg. In your opinion, is the city of Würzburg obliged to permit such demonstrations, or should it deny them permission?

Green University Group Würzburg: That the city permits such demonstrations is required by the rule of law. What we do criticise, however, is the scope of the permission granted: the Nazis were not only authorised a long and high-profile route through the city centre, but were also permitted to use Bengal lights, torches and drums. What happened at this demo goes far too far for us: such elements, like the disguise as hooded grim reapers and the carrying of coffins at a right-wing demo, have no place whatsoever! On the other hand, such an event offers civil society the opportunity to show where it stands on such abhorrent groups and to actively resist through a large counter-demonstration. The ratio of 160 Third Way supporters to 2,500 counter-demonstrators shows us very clearly that there is no place for Nazis in Würzburg; quite the opposite — there is a large civil society ready to stand up to them.
Route through the city centre approved, but also the use of Bengal lights, torches and drums. What happened at this demonstration goes far too far for us: such elements, like the disguise as hooded grim reapers and the carrying of coffins at a right-wing demonstration, have no place there! On the other hand, such an event offers civil society the opportunity to show where it stands on such abhorrent groups and to actively resist through a large counter-demonstration. The ratio of 160 Third Way supporters against 2,500 counter-demonstrators shows us very clearly that there is no place for Nazis in Würzburg, but on the contrary a large civil society that is ready to stand up to them.

 Jusos Hochschulgruppe: In our view, the city of Würzburg should ban a march by fascists in the city. Whilst such bans are often overturned by courts and the demonstrations can still take place, the ban alone sends a clear signal from the city. Würzburg is a tolerant and cosmopolitan city in which far-right ideology has no place. If the demonstration takes place, the city should impose strict conditions. At the demo on 18.02., the Nazis were allowed to drum, set off flares, march with torches and use light effects to imitate the bombing of Dresden. Furthermore, two completely masked "grim reapers" were permitted. With the city's permission, the Nazis were allowed to play war and carry their propaganda through the city centre. Imagine a left-wing demo with masked participants and flares — that would never receive approval. We found the large counter-protest on 18.02. very commendable!

Ring of Christian Democratic Students "I may condemn what you say, but I will dedicate my life to ensuring that you are allowed to say it". The RCDS stands and lives for the rule of law. That is why we fundamentally reject a general ban on demonstrations for parties such as the Third Way. A party that has not been classified as unconstitutional by a ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court has the right to demonstrate under Article 8 of the Basic Law, just like any other party. Our task as democrats is to grant this right to people and parties that wish to deny others their rights. We believe democracy must tolerate this, because that is a central core of democracy. Rather, such discussions grant these fringe groups far too large a platform for attention.

Liberal University Group: The Liberal University Group condemns the radicalisation of the political extremes – both from the left and from the right. We are clearly against any form of extremism. However, freedom of opinion and assembly prevail in Germany, which is enshrined in the Basic Law. Thus, the question does not arise for us whether the city should ban such demonstrations in future. Legally, that would probably be difficult to enforce anyway. Furthermore, the question arises as to what a ban would actually achieve. Even if such groups are then no longer visible, the ideology persists. Rather, sustainable problem-solving should be pursued through projects against radicalisation and arguments.

 Independent University Group Against Tuition Fees / University Piracy: We are of the view that university groups should confine themselves to the higher education policy sphere. Whilst we do have a private opinion, we believe that this does not belong in the Sprachrohr, which should remain reserved for higher education topics.