Chemnitz [Germany], January 20: Despite an attempt by right-wing extremists to disrupt the festivities, tens of thousands of people gathered in the eastern German city of Chemnitz on Saturday as it took over the mantle of European Capital of Culture.
Under the motto "C the Unseen," in reference to the city's lesser-known status abroad, Chemnitz is to host more than 200 projects and 1,000 events over the year.
Previously known as Karl Marx City in the former East Germany, Chemnitz today has a population of around 240,000. At the opening ceremony, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier encouraged people to explore the fourth-largest city in eastern Germany after Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden.
"If you've never been to Chemnitz before, if you never heard if it, then you've already missed a lot," Steinmeier said. He noted that the year as European Capital of Culture is about learning from differences and developing forward-looking ideas together.
"Where the great democratic centre of our country creates space for itself, there is no room for those who reject democracy," Steinmeier added.
"Culture unites ... We are building the future together," he said. The city carries a heavy legacy, still dogged by images of rioting right-wing extremists that went around the world in the summer of 2018.
On Saturday, extremists also staged a march on the opening day, while counter-protesters, advocating for diversity and respect, were present as well.
Police initially estimated "several hundred demonstrators on both sides." Later in the day, they said about 1,000 people showed up to protest against the right-wing group, which included about 400 participants.
A strong police of more than 1,000 officers were on hand to ensure safety and handle disruptions.
Chemnitz is one of three European Capitals of Culture in 2025 alongside Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy. It is the fourth time that a German city has held the title after West Berlin in 1988, Weimar in 1999 and Essen in 2010. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune
