Erzgebirge Companies Organize Protest Against Energy Policy, Wind Turbines, and Immigration

New mountain noise: On October 11th, Erzgebirge companies called for protest again, shouting NO three times. Travel entrepreneur Udo Burkert from Sehma is one of the organizers of the protest event. Photo: Ronny Küttner

They scream NO three times

By Sven Günther
Ore Mountains. For a long time they kept quiet, waited and hoped that their demands would be heard or, even better, that they would be implemented. Now it’s getting loud again. On October 11th, Erzgebirge companies called for protest again, shouting NO three times.
NO to energy policy
NO to wind turbines
NO to immigration at any price.

We spoke to Udo Burkert, the travel entrepreneur from Sehma, who is one of the organizers.

Why haven’t we had one for half a year? Berggeschrey heard more?

UDO BURKERT:
We wanted to see how politicians react to our demands and also give them time to make the right decisions. But unfortunately we realized that not much happened. Not enough is being done, especially for medium-sized businesses, the backbone of our economy and the root of our prosperity. We earn the billions that the government spends – but not in our own way. Many entrepreneurs are fed up. And it’s no use complaining at the regulars’ tables. That’s why we’re calling for protest again.

Mountain shouting against politics

What do you accuse the politicians of??

UDO BURKERT:
In my opinion, there are now fundamental doubts about the party system. When it’s no longer about solving problems objectively, but just about attacking each other, I wonder whether we really need parties. There are many entrepreneurs in the Erzgebirge who, with their workforce, produce world-class products. Such men and women, who come from practical experience, have no party membership and think clearly, should determine what happens next in our country. I mean, most citizens no longer want parties, which also explains the success of non-party candidates in mayoral elections.

WEEKEND MIRROR
Their protest is also directed against wind turbines.

UDO BURKERT:
Yes, exactly. We believe that there are many unanswered questions in this area. What happens, for example, if the investors run away again after the funding blocking period has expired? Who will then dismantle the systems? We also believe that every community should decide for themselves whether they want wind turbines or not. The location must be decided on site and not in Dresden or Berlin. AND: We will not overcome the energy crisis with wind turbines alone

WEEKEND MIRROR:
Rather?

UDO BURKERT:
We demand an ideology-free energy policy in which no resources are excluded from the outset. Of course, renewable energies should be expanded, but this must not lead to electricity prices exploding and our companies no longer being competitive. It is a mistake to forego nuclear power. And if you shut down coal-fired power plants that only produce clean steam, I wonder if now is the right time to do that.

Berggeschrey addresses immigration

The topic of immigration is also on the agenda.

UDO BURKERT:
Yes, because we see that the districts and municipalities are at their limits. We know that we need skilled workers from abroad. But that doesn’t mean that there can be unchecked immigration to Germany, which also weakens our social system. This threatens social peace and helps no one.

Impartial mountain noise

What else is important to them if there is another mountain noise on October 11th?

UDO BURKERT:
We remain impartial and don’t want to see any flags or party slogans. We are expecting around 500 participants. We ask everyone who arrives with cars to park them on the Kätplatz.