Two impressive demonstrations: Greifswald demands justice!

Two impressive demonstrations: Greifswald demands justice!

On October 25, 2025, Greifswald was the scene of two consecutive feminist demonstrations that sent a strong signal for women's rights and against racism. Within just 24 hours, numerous people gathered to confront various social injustices.

The first demonstration took place on Friday evening and was directed against the cancellation of a much-discussed lecture about abuse of power in the music scene. The lecture entitled “Nobody should be a perpetrator – sexism, power and silence in the music scene” was a planned event by the General Student Committee of the University of Greifswald. Around 100 people, including students and interested parties, gathered on Loefflerstrasse to protest against the cancellation. This was a reaction to the threatened injunction by the band Feine Sahne Fischfilet, whose singer is facing allegations of abuse of power and sexual violence, which he denies. The protesters sharply criticized the university and accused it of censoring those affected and restricting academic freedom. During their demonstration, participants called for faith in those affected by sexual violence and consequences for the perpetrators. A musical choir accompanied the demonstration with haunting songs that supported the atmosphere.

Racism in society

The second demonstration on Saturday morning was against the racist statements made by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), who spoke in a speech about a “problem in the cityscape” and called for increased deportations. Around 150 people heard speeches from various organizations, including Neonlila, Left Youth, Greens and Pro Bleiberecht am Mühlentor. Under the motto “In the mood for a cityscape without racism,” the demonstrators denounced Merz’s statements as racist and drew attention to the misunderstanding of real problems. Topics such as violence against women and the critical financial situation of women's shelters were also heard. Edona Ibiši from the Left Youth shared her personal experiences with racism and violence and thus sent an impressive message. The event concluded with an appeal to participants to stand up for political cohesion and against racism, even if some of the posters were damaged due to the rainy weather.

These demonstrations take place in a social context that illustrates more than ever the need for equality and respect for all people. When discussing budgets and structures, the University of Music and Theater takes the sensitized view of sexual violence and abuse of power very seriously in its current study, supported by a support group that incorporates heterogeneous perspectives into the research. In this way, we can recognize and promote education and enlightenment as central tools against injustice. The management of the study, for example, consists of experts from the university who work together with external consultants on a transparent communication culture in order to address and adapt the special challenges of artistic training.

In summary, it can be said that the events in Greifswald are important for both the local and national political landscape. The demonstrations highlighted the importance of standing up for equality and respect for the rights of all, a theme that also played a major role in this year's International Women's Day, when thousands took to the streets in Berlin and elsewhere to demand their rights and equality. The commitment of the citizens of Greifswald can certainly be interpreted as part of a larger social change that aims for change. Together we will have to make the voices heard even louder – for a fairer future.

For further information about the demonstrations in Greifswald, please visit Katapult MV's reporting. HMTM provides information about the current study on sexualized violence and abuse of power at universities in its publication and for political discussions about women's rights and equality, take a look at ZDF Recommended today.