16 Jul, 13:24··

Cabaret Artist Performs DDR Anthem at AfD Event

ZEIT Online

At an AfD event, someone sang the East German national anthem. A representative criticized the event. This has caused a debate about the AfD’s views on East German history.

Uwe Steimle, a comedian, performed the East German anthem at an event organized by the AfD party in Dessau-Roßlau. Attendees joined in the singing. Evelyn Zupke, a representative for victims of the former Socialist Unity Party, criticized the event. Steimle made controversial statements, including comparing Friedrich Merz to Hitler. He also made negative comments about Angela Merkel. German authorities are now investigating Steimle’s actions.

Summarized from the sources above. Read the originals for the full story.

Highlights

DDR Anthem Sung at AfD Event

The East German national anthem was sung at an AfD event in Dessau-Roßlau.

Criticism of Event by SED Victim Representative

Evelyn Zupke criticized the event as ‘historical forgetting’ and ‘trivialization’.

Uwe Steimle Defends His Performance

Uwe Steimle claimed he has nothing to reproach himself with.

Legal Investigation Launched

German authorities are investigating Uwe Steimle’s statements and actions.

Controversial Statements Made

Uwe Steimle made comparisons to Hitler and expressed violent desires.

Perspectives

Sources agree
  • The AfD event in Dessau-Roßlau featured the singing of the East German national anthem.
  • Evelyn Zupke criticized the event as ‘historical forgetting’ and ‘trivialization.’
  • Uwe Steimle defended his performance at the AfD event.
  • German authorities are investigating Uwe Steimle’s statements.
Sources disagree
Interpretation of Steimle's actions

Steimle believes his actions were justified and he has nothing to reproach himself with.

ZEIT Online, FAZ

Zupke views Steimle’s actions as ‘historical forgetting’ and ‘trivialization’.

Der Spiegel

VS
Steimle’s controversial statements

Steimle made controversial statements, including comparing Merz to Hitler and advocating for an assassination.

FAZ

Authorities are investigating Steimle’s statements for legal scrutiny.

New, ZEIT Online

VS

Timeline

21h span
16 Jul, 13:2417 Jul, 10:04
politicslawGermanyculturegermany