Leipzig CDU member of parliament Jens Lehmann has criticized the decision to ban advertising for the German Armed Forces in Zwickau. "The Zwickau city council's decision to ban Bundeswehr advertising on municipal properties, events and means of transport is not only a slap in the face for our soldiers, but also a dangerous signal for the future of our national defense," said Lehmann.
Soldiers perform an indispensable service for the security of the country every day. "Depriving them of their public presence with such a ban on advertising is not only disrespectful, but irresponsible." Especially in times of crisis, the Bundeswehr has proven that it is a reliable support for the country: whether during the coronavirus pandemic, in fighting forest fires, during the Elbe floods, in refugee aid or in the fight against the bark beetle.
Passed with 24 votes in favor
A motion by the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) for a ban on Bundeswehr advertising on public buildings and vehicles in Zwickau led to a heated debate in the city council last Thursday. With 24 votes in favor, 16 against and four abstentions, the council decided to ban advertising on all municipal properties, events and municipal vehicles. The CDU parliamentary group had previously tried to defuse the BSW's proposal with an amendment - but without success.
The issue was a streetcar of the municipal transport company (SVZ) designed in camouflage colors, which advertises for service in the Bundeswehr. The BSW argued that Zwickau should position itself against this as a "city of peace".
It initially remained unclear how quickly the ban would be implemented and the advertising on the streetcar removed.
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