Controversy Surrounds Berlin Peace Rally

A major peace demonstration is set to take place in Berlin, with key figures such as BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht and SPD politician Ralf Stegner scheduled to speak. The rally, themed 'Never Again War - Lay Down the Arms,' aims to protest military support for Ukraine and Israel, oppose the planned deployment of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany, and call for the removal of all nuclear weapons.

The event has garnered support from 3,215 groups and individuals, including various Bundestag members, union representatives, and activists. However, the participation of Stegner has stirred controversy, particularly among Green Party members.

Green MP Anton Hofreiter expressed concerns that any speech at the rally could be seen as supporting war criminals. Stegner defended his involvement, emphasizing that the SPD has always been part of the peace movement and criticizing the undue focus on Wagenknecht.

He pointed out that the call for the demonstration was not his initiative, and he stood by a separate social democratic appeal. Despite the criticisms, the rally is expected to feature multiple speeches and culminate in a significant gathering at Berlin's Großer Stern in Tiergarten.

Counter-demonstrations have also been organized in response to the event. The debate highlights the complex and often contentious nature of peace advocacy in the context of ongoing global conflicts.