Grandmas against the right: Together for our democracy in Konstanz!

Grandmas against the right: Together for our democracy in Konstanz!

Something has happened in Konstanz in the last few months: the “Grandmas Against the Right” initiative has actively entered the local and national political scene. Originally founded in Austria, inspired by the Spanish “Iaioflautas”, around 70 local groups are now active in Germany, including in Konstanz. Loud seemoz.de The group is committed to civil society and non-partisan participation, supported by a committed membership base of around 50 activists and just as many sympathizers.

The way “Grandmas Against the Right” works is diverse: they organize events and demos, promote media and educational work and thus ensure visibility in the public. One of the greatest successes was the impressive demonstration on February 8, 2025 in Konstanz, where 12,000 people took to the streets for a strong democracy. This event was organized together with the Alliance for Democracy and was intended to send a clear signal against the right. Despite occasional hostilities, the motto remains unmistakable: Strengthen democracy! Defend democracy!

Variety of activities

The grandmas always have their finger on the pulse when it comes to planning their activities. A nationwide day of action is coming up on February 8th, during which the initiative wants to motivate citizens to take part in elections through vigils, star marches, human chains, flash mobs and even choir performances. omasgegenrechts-nord.de points out that the main aim is to encourage all democrats to vote exclusively for democratic parties.

Whatever the weather, the grandmas can be seen on the streets and squares - the determination to raise their voice is great and, especially with regard to the upcoming elections, the message is clear: the democratic achievements must be preserved!

Research against right-wing extremism

Behind the commitment of the “Grandmas Against the Right” is a growing concern about right-wing extremism in Germany. To counter this phenomenon, the federal government set up a cabinet committee to combat right-wing extremism and racism in March 2020. As on the website of the BMBF can be read, research on these topics is being promoted in order to develop comprehensive recommendations for action.

The topics range from racism in the judiciary to the effects of bans on right-wing extremist organizations. In addition, numerous projects in the areas of anti-Semitism, everyday racism and institutional racism are being examined. By supporting junior groups, the acute need for expertise in right-wing extremism and racism research as well as the visibility of research data is strengthened.

The “Grandmas Against the Right” are without a doubt an essential part of this civil society movement that not only focuses on protecting democracy, but also actively fights against the dangers of right-wing extremism. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact her via her email address ogr-kn@gmx.de or via her Facebook page “OMAS AGAINST RECHTS Konstanz”. The initiative is happy to welcome new comrades-in-arms, especially from the older generation. A clear appeal goes out to everyone: stand up together for a democratic future and send clear signals against the right!