Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Schwesig warns against attacks on art and press freedom

Manuela Schwesig, the Minister President of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has issued a strong warning against what she described as attacks on artistic and press freedom. Speaking at the opening of a concert during the Festspiele MV festival in Ulrichshusen, Schwesig stated, "We live in times where cultural freedom is being attacked, and also public broadcasting."

Schwesig specifically addressed the ongoing debate surrounding the abolition of broadcasting fees. She cautioned that eliminating these fees would also mean the end of cultural programs supported by public broadcasters like Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR). "Anyone who wants to abolish this also abolishes the cultural offerings of NDR," she warned.

While Schwesig did not explicitly name the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, her criticism aligns directly with their campaign platform. The AfD has made the abolition of broadcasting fees a central demand and has pledged to terminate the broadcasting state treaty if they gain power in the state. Current polls indicate the AfD is the leading party in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with the election scheduled for September 20.