For July 4, 2026, Widersetzen is calling for nationwide protests and actions against the AfD's federal party conference in Erfurt. Specifically, "civil disobedience" is the chosen method. We are now participating in this nationwide mobilization for the fourth time. Why do we consider this sensible and right? --- Since the founding of our group, we have participated in or co-organized actions against the AfD. In the 2010s, the protests against the AfD party conferences were primarily driven by left-wing radical actors. However, they were generally unsuccessful in mobilizing the large numbers of anti-fascists needed for their actions. This led to a period of fatigue. In 2024, Widersetzen managed to mobilize a large number of anti-fascists to Essen against the AfD party conference in a relatively short amount of time. One contributing factor was the so-called "Correctiv investigation" in early 2024, which sparked widespread outrage against the AfD. While much of this outrage was undoubtedly supportive of the establishment, not all of it was. Another factor was a renewed impetus from trade unions in Essen to take action against the AfD rally there. This thankfully broadened and changed the composition of the protests and actions. For us, this is a key reason why we consider "Widersetzen" (Resist) an important project.
In 2025, the largest antifascist mass protests in Germany in years took place in Riesa and Gießen, resulting in numerous blockades. In short, "Widersetzen" successfully mobilized a broad base of people for decisive action that went beyond mere placid demonstrations. They succeeded in massively disrupting party conferences and the founding of the AfD's youth wing; some delegates never reached their destination. Nevertheless, the actions are primarily symbolic in nature. Symbolic actions shouldn't be overestimated, but they aren't useless or ineffective, as some believe. A reference to Pegida and similar right-wing mobilizations should suffice to refute this assessment, unless one believes that this type of right-wing movement was irrelevant to political developments. In light of the rightward shift, it is more necessary than ever not to let fascist assemblies, such as the AfD federal party conference, go unchallenged!
Furthermore, parts of the left tend to create a false dichotomy between symbolic politics and grassroots activism. While the appropriate balance can be debated, grassroots political activism, and the associated politicization of individuals, and symbolic mass protests are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary: many people gain their first experiences with activism through these acts of resistance. Above all, these can be moments when young anti-fascists, in particular, break free from isolation and feelings of powerlessness and realize they are not alone, that their anger can be expressed not just individually, but collectively. Ideally, these are moments that demonstrate what can be achieved through organizing and underscore its necessity. It is crucial not to deceive people, but to be honest about both successes and failures. All of this requires concrete events around which organizing is founded and expanded, events that bring people together and foster collaboration.
However, we criticize the focus of some resistance movements on defending "our democracy." If it were not just about the bourgeois democracy in which we live, but about a democracy that was truly ours, this would mean that we could democratically decide on relevant aspects of the social conditions of production and reproductionspecifically, how we want to live and work. The foundation for this is and remains the socialization of the means of production (factories, machines, etc.) in order to place them under democratic, collective management.
Of course, civil liberties must be defended against their increasing erosion, but this is already one of the central points: The dismantling of democratic rights and achievements of the labor movement, such as attacks on the eight-hour workday and occupational safety, which is inseparable from militarization, is currently being driven not by the AfD, but by the federal government of the SPD and CDU, and before them by the coalition government. While the AfD is at the forefront of the rightward shift, it is (not yet) the implementing force. An abstract reference to "our democracy" obscures both of these facts and becomes a pillar of the state.
The "class struggle from above," with its dismantling of social welfare and restrictions on rights of resistance, is currently being driven forward by every government, regardless of the party coalition. This makes it easier for the AfD to portray itself as the champion of the "little guy" and a fundamental opposition. If the Left only acts as a defender of democracy, the impression quickly arises that it is also defending the attack on the social status of the working class. The defense of civil liberties should therefore be understood as the foundation and arena for the struggle for better living and working conditions beyond this.
It is not irrelevant whether one is governed by liberals or fascists; anyone who equates the two is historically ignorant. Therefore, we on the Left should emphatically oppose the rise of right-wing extremist forces to political power. To achieve this, however, we must focus on building a firm foothold within the population in the long term, not on banning the AfD. This is not only because bans have always been, and will always be, directed against us on the Left. Antifascism requires organization, not appeals to the state. Building such an organization is not easy, because fascist mobilization and its agenda are not something entirely alien to this society; they sprout and thrive in its fertile ground. In a society based on competition, fascist mobilization is inherent, especially in times of crisis. A look at the USA shows how deceptive trust in the laws and justice systems of liberal democratic states can be.
However, having criticism of parts of the resistance movement as an antifascist movement is no reason to stay out of it: Such criticism must be formulated within and as part of the movement, not on the sidelines. That is another reason why we believe participation is the right thing to do. An antifascist movement must continue to grow. We must engage in debate and take concrete action.
Be part of this movement, come to Erfurt with us and many others on July 4th!
https://likos.noblogs.org/2026/06/19/warum-widersetzen/
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Source: A-infos-en@ainfos.ca
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