Greens concerned about verbal hostility towards cultural institutions in Saxony

The Greens are concerned about verbal hostility and intimidation towards cultural institutions and initiatives. "Cultural workers in Saxony are being systematically put under pressure when they openly stand up for human rights and democracy. We are no longer talking about isolated cases," explained Green politician Claudia Maicher. She had submitted a minor question to parliament on the matter.

In its response, the Ministry of Culture lists a whole series of such cases. According to the answer, insults were directed at Marion Ackermann, General Director of the Dresden State Art Collections, on several occasions. At the event on the Dresden Damascus Room in 2023, the discussion leader and supervisor were discriminated against. The production of Bertolt Brecht's "Threepenny Opera" at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden was met with hostility on social media and "sometimes threatening letters from the audience".

Greens call for comprehensive evaluation of incidents

The Ministry of Culture had only listed incidents in state cultural institutions. "The fact that threats from the right have also become the norm for many municipal and independent cultural institutions is not even recorded by the state government," emphasized Maicher and called on the government to take action. In order to be able to counter hostilities everywhere, more comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of incidents is needed. The government must consistently protect the fundamental right of artistic freedom.