Looking back. Looking ahead. 2020-2025

178   SPEECHES | POLITICS AND SOCIETY Politics and Society Honourable President of the Bavarian State Parliament   Ilse Aigner, Esteemed Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, As Lord Mayor of Munich, it is my privilege to welcome you to today’s commemorative event for the victims of National Socialism at the Perlacher Forst cemetery. It is no coincidence that this particular location in Munich has been chosen for this year’s ceremony. Here, in Ehrenhain I and Ehrenhain II, thousands of people murdered by the Nazis have been laid to rest. Among them are concentration camp and “euthanasia” victims, as well as the graves of Sophie and Hans Scholl,   Christoph Probst and Alexander Schmorell. These graves have recently been redesigned to include a reflection space, allowing visitors to pause and reflect. Visitors can also scan QR codes to learn more about theWhite Rose resistance group. It is a profound affront when certain individ- uals attempt to exploit this White Rose memorial for their own agendas, as seen in marches by conspiracy theorists or groups from the Querdenker scene, in order to cloak themselves in a warped sense of morality while undermining the very demo- cratic values we uphold. Pegida and the AfD have already demonstrated this. I am equally appalled by the fact that Querdenker and conspiracy theorists are deliberately staging their protests on significant commemorative days organised by the state – in a blatant attempt to desecrate and mock our culture of remembrance. For example, exactly two years ago in Stuttgart, a large demon- stration against COVID restrictions was held on Holocaust Remembrance Day. Or here in Munich, we only have to think of the disgraceful rally organised by conspiracy theorists and anti-vaccination activists on 9 November of last year at Max- Joseph-Platz near the Feldherrnhalle. Dieter Reiter Lord Mayor of the City of Munich Act of remembrance for the victims of National Socialism  at Ehrenhain I, Perlacher Forst cemetery  25 January 2023 These realities are ever-present as we remember the victims of the unprecedented crimes of the National Socialist regime – those who were marginalised, persecuted and murdered for racial, antisemitic, political and religious reasons, because of their disability, or due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. That is why today’s event is not only intended as an act of remembrance, but also as a statement – against hatred, right- wing extremism, racism and antisemitism. Munich, once called the “Capital of the Movement”, bears a special responsibility. We will never tire of remembering the victims of National Socialist violence and arbitrary discrimination. We remain committed to advocating for tolerance and open- ness, for a vibrant and resilient democratic city, for freedom, and for the rights of minorities and those of different faiths. And to those who threaten these fundamental principles of peaceful, solidaristic and humane coexistence, let it be clear: We will never yield. This is our message to the enemies of democracy, grounded in historical responsibility and shared by the entire democratic community of Munich. Thank you! ©Bavarian State Parliament Photo Archive / S. Obermeier