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For the first time, the Pegida anniversary took place without Pegida, because boss Lutz Bachmann (47) had canceled his own rally.
Dresden – That was probably the most unusual Pegida anniversary since the movement was founded six years ago: for the first time it took place without Pegida instead, because Chief Lutz Bachmann (47) had canceled his own meeting. However, counter-actions did occur, but these were also in an exceptional situation due to the crisis in the crown.
Pegida counter-protesters on Kesselsdorfer Strasse. © Steffen Füssel
Three alliances called for a demonstration on Sunday: “Heart instead of hate” at rallies in Neumarkt, Cockerwiese and in front of the regional court.
The union of the FDP, CDU and the Saxon Library Society “Democracy needs backbone” was mobilized in the old market. There was also a bicycle demonstration of the “Löbtau Anti-Fascist Initiative”.
The latter began at 12 noon, passed through several frat houses and ended at Neumarkt. Around 50 opponents of Pegida gathered in front of the regional court, including left-wing boss Katja Kipping (42).
Dresden Mayor Dirk Hilbert spoke in two stages on Sunday: first he answered “Friday for the future” questions on the Neumarkt in front of some 700 listeners, then moved on to the Altmarkt.
“Some things, like the freedom to demonstrate, are a real challenge for a society,” said the mayor. “That you have to put up with things, even in your own city, where we say, ‘You can’t identify with that in the least and tolerate it from my point of view.’
Former Federal Minister of the Interior Thomas de Maizière (66, green mask) spoke about the old market. © Petra Hornig
Former federal interior minister Thomas de Maizière (66, CDU) also spoke there: “Dresden is not from Pegida,” he said and also admitted that it was a mistake to first ignore the movement and then overestimate it.
Hundreds of Pegida’s opponents gathered at the Cockerwiese, where they danced to the beat of the “Tolerade” carriages under mouth and nose protection. This had canceled his planned train due to Corona.
Pegida’s boss, Bachmann, had previously announced counter-demonstrations, but then only appeared on the sidelines of the rallies accompanied by Wolfgang Taufkirch.
Everything was kept in peace, most of the participants adhered to the prescribed distances and masks, although they were significantly less than in previous years.
