Business
Germany sticker on left-wing display case: State security investigates in Hofgeismar
In the small Hessian town of Hofgeismar, a sticker campaign featuring national colors is causing a stir—and investigations by state security. Unknown individuals had covered the display case of Die Linke with dozens of Germany stickers.
Between Saturday and Monday morning, about 50 stickers were affixed to the display case of the district association of the Left Party, according to the police. The stickers showed slogans like "Pride instead of Pride," "Make Germany great again," and "Right before left applies here" and almost completely covered the party's notices. On Monday, charges of property damage were filed – a so-called application offense. There are so far no indications of unconstitutional symbols or other criminal offenses.
Since a political background is suspected, the Criminal Investigation Office of the State Protection at the North Hesse Police Headquarters has taken over the investigations. It is currently checking whether there are connections to similar cases in the region. Whether the State Criminal Police Office or the Federal Criminal Police Office will also be involved is still open.
The sticker campaign is reminiscent of motifs from the so-called "Pride Month" campaign, a movement launched in 2023 that emerged as a counterpoint to Pride Month and aimed to bring national symbols back into the public consciousness.
The district chairman of the Left, Jan Kersting, spoke of a "targeted attempt to intimidate democratic and anti-fascist voices." We will not be deterred by this: "We will continue to speak out loudly and visibly for social justice and an open society." Other party display cases in the area have not been affected so far.
