In recent months, numerous people in Germany took to the streets to demonstrate against the government's Corona measures. At these rallies, worried, unsettled citizens marched alongside conspiracy theorists and far-right extremists.
Two demonstrations have received particular media attention. One was in Leipzig on November 7th, when the „Querdenken“ movement called for a candlelight peace march. It was an attempt to draw a parallel to the peaceful East German revolution of 1989. And on November 18th, there was one in Berlin when thousands of people gathered to demonstrate against the passing of the new Infection Protection Act in front of the Reichstag.
Zeitenspiegel TV reporter Sophia Maier documented both demonstrations for Stern TV. In Leipzig, she accompanied FDP politician Karoline Preisler, who had recovered from Covid-19 and sought dialogue on site. In Berlin, Sophia Maier herself tried to engage with people and understand their motivations.
Leipzig, November 7, 2020
What happens to a woman who wants to talk to protesters at a so-called "Querdenken" (lateral thinking) demonstration about the dangers of the coronavirus? FDP politician Karoline Preisler, who was severely ill with Covid-19 in March, visits the protests in Leipzig and approaches people – an attempt at dialogue.
Movie Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1X6NYpcnqE
Berlin, November 18, 2020
Heated atmosphere and riots at the demonstration in Berlin: Thousands demonstrate against the new Infection Protection Act. Because the participants of the protests did not adhere to the conditions, the assembly was broken up by the police, and pepper spray and water cannons were used.
Movie Link: https://www.facebook.com/120409127973461/videos/797968220752955