Greta Thunberg in Mannheim: Greens warn against dangerous instrumentalization

Greta Thunberg in Mannheim: Greens warn against dangerous instrumentalization

Things are boiling in Mannheim! The Mannheim Greens are “extremely critical” of Greta Thunberg’s participation in the upcoming rally on the market square under the motto “International Solidarity with Palestine and the Climate Movement”. The speakers Tamara Beckh and Ines Joneleit warn: “Mannheim is being used here to portray complex conflicts in a way that does not do our city justice – a city that stands for diversity, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.” Concerned voices from the political landscape emphasize that the city should not serve as a stage for such controversial issues.

The 21-year-old Swedish environmental icon Greta Thunberg will not be on stage alone. Hasan Özbay, a controversial activist from the “Fridays for Future Movement” who made headlines for anti-Semitic comments, will also take part in the discussion. The Green Party politicians Nina Wellenreuther and Gabi Baier emphasize the responsibility that Thunberg bears as a prominent activist: “Clear positions against hatred and anti-Semitism are essential in such contexts.” The Greens' critical statements show that the upcoming event is not only an environmental event, but also a hot political issue.

The Greens in focus

The board of the Mannheim Greens plans to closely monitor what happens at the rally on Friday at 6 p.m. Deputy parliamentary group leader Chris Rihm has already expressed his concerns and will express himself accordingly at the discussion event. The anticipation of the event has been significantly dampened by the controversy surrounding Thunberg's participation and the associated political tensions.