Neubrandenburg (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) – It stands for diversity, tolerance and openness and used to flutter in the wind at Neubrandenburg train station. But that’s over now! The Neubrandenburg The city council has decided that the rainbow flag may no longer be flown.
The application was submitted by the non-party, presumably right-wing radical city councilor Tim Großmüller (“Stable Citizens for Neubrandenburg”). In his opinion, this should prevent crimes such as theft or replacing the flag with unconstitutional symbols. Unknown people had previously swapped the rainbow flag for a swastika flag. The city council also demanded that the coat of arms of the city of 60,000 inhabitants should no longer be used in conjunction with the rainbow flag.
No more rainbow flags at the train station
The vote took place without any speaking time for the political groups. Result: 15 yes votes, 11 no votes, eight abstentions. From now on, the rainbow flag may no longer be hoisted on the city’s own poles on the station square.
On his Facebook page “Stable Citizens NB” Großmüller celebrated his “first victory” and thanked the AfD and Project NB factions.
Gay mayor resigns
Shortly afterwards, Mayor Silvio Witt (non-party), who has been in office since 2015, surprisingly announced his resignation – on May 1, 2025.
Mayor Silvio Witt announced his resignation
“My privacy and that of my family and friends have always been important to me and I protect it. Therefore, I will not make any further public statements about resignation,” the 45-year-old wrote on Facebook.
Witt, the open one homosexual In the past, among other things, has campaigned for a cosmopolitan and tolerant Neubrandenburg. as patron of Christopher Street Day-Events.
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Homophobic insults again and again
In the past, Großmüller had repeatedly insulted the incumbent mayor with homophobic insults. The search was carried out in March police Großmüller’s apartment due to suspicion Insultthreat and revolt.
Jutta Wegner, member of the state parliament, Grüneist, is horrified: “The numerous attacks that he has had to endure in recent years worry me. In the city council, but also in city society, voices have become loud that are in favor of division and agitation and not fair treatment.”
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Demonstrators are calling for the decision to be withdrawn
To send a signal against the decision, a vigil took place in front of the train station on Friday. According to the police, 200 people protested peacefully – with numerous rainbow flags and umbrellas.
The demonstrators called on the city council to reverse their decision. SPD, links and the Greens, who voted against the ban, now want to introduce a counter-resolution as quickly as possible.
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Criticism of the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance
Criticism of the Sahra Wagenknecht party alliance was also loud because the MPs largely abstained from voting. “Looking the other way has led to fatal consequences in German history,” said a senior demonstrator to “NDR MV”.
