With prison bus
This group wants to disrupt the AfD election campaign
Updated on December 11, 2024Reading time: 4 min.
The “Center for Political Beauty” wants to disrupt the AfD’s election campaign with a prisoner transporter. The performance artists are pushing for a ban on the party.
The performance artist group “Center for Political Beauty” is known for controversial protest actions.Now she has presented a new project. With a specially equipped prisoner transporter,they want to raise awareness of how necessary a ban on the AfD is from their point of view.
Equipped with loudspeaker systems, laser projectors and other technical means, a
The campaign is being financed by a crowdfunding campaign – and the money is apparently bubbling up: According to a counter on the “Center for Political Beauty” website, the 100,000 euro mark was broken around 4 p.m., which was originally stated as the target amount and has since been increased is.
According to them, the bus is not an ordinary bus: the initiative claims to have bought it from the Saxon Ministry of the Interior. It is indeed a prisoner transporter that had already transported Beate Zschäpe – the right-wing terrorist and the only convicted member of the NSU terrorist group.
According to information from t-online, though, neither the Interior nor the Saxony Ministry of Justice has sold such a van in the past. Rather, the group appears to have acquired a regular bus that is being converted for the campaign.
The “Center for Political Beauty” could embellish their action at this point to make it more attractive with more spectacular details. The group had already taken such “artistic liberties” in the past and exaggerated, such as, in an alleged surveillance of Björn Höcke. The group claimed to have observed Höcke’s private residence in Thuringia for months. This later turned out to be wrong.
Philipp Ruch, head of the “center,” told t-online that they have a corresponding prisoner transporter and will present it to the public shortly. It would be “built and equipped, as promised, and ‘Made in Germany’.” The Saxon police will have to convince themselves of this soon – “in Riesa at the latest”. The AfD’s federal party conference is taking place there on January 11th and 12th.
The name of the vehicle, “Adenauer SRP+”, is based on the Socialist Reich Party (SRP). This was banned by the Federal Constitutional court in 1952 as it was classified as unconstitutional.At that time she tried to establish herself as the successor to Hitler’s Nazi party, the NSDAP. (Read more about it here.) With the choice of name, the initiative would like to create a connection between the proceedings surrounding the SRP at the time and today’s constitutional concerns about the AfD.
The reference to the first chancellor of the Federal Republic,Konrad Adenauer,comes from the fact that the ban on the SRP was initiated under his government. The project apparently wants to initiate a social debate about measures against anti-constitutional tendencies.
With the allusion to Adenauer, the “Center for Political Beauty” is also aimed at current politicians from his CDU party and those who say that they have no evidence for a party ban: For this purpose, the initiative would, among other things, collect 2,400 pieces of evidence and reports from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution on the AfD she explains on her website. And: She programmed a “Weidel AI” through which one could find out “what the AfD is really planning in Germany.” Alice Weidel is the party’s candidate for chancellor.
The members of the “Center for Political Beauty” are not the only ones calling for a ban on the AfD. In November, such as, CDU politician Marco Wanderwitz spoke out in favor of a party ban and submitted a corresponding motion to the bundestag.(Read more about it here.)
how does teh use of symbolism in political protests impact public perception?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Political Art Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a bold and provocative campaign led by the performance artist group, the “Center for Political Beauty.” Joining us is Dr. Sofia Hermann, a political art expert, to shed light on the implications and meaning of this unconventional approach to political protest. Thank you for being here, Dr. Hermann.
dr. Sofia Hermann: Thank you for having me. ItS a pleasure to discuss this engaging topic!
Editor: The Center for Political Beauty has recently launched a campaign using a converted prison bus to disrupt the AfD’s election campaign, aiming to raise awareness about banning the party. What do you think motivated them to adopt such a dramatic approach?
Dr. Hermann: This group is well-known for their controversial and striking methods of protest.They believe that traditional political discourse isn’t sufficient in addressing the threat posed by extremist parties like the AfD.By using a symbol as loaded as a prison bus, they effectively communicate their message about the party’s association with hate and division. It’s a visceral reminder of the consequences of allowing such ideologies to flourish.
Editor: Fascinating. And how does the symbolism of the prison bus play into their overall message?
Dr. Hermann: The prison bus serves multiple functions. It’s a stark representation of justice, but also of confinement, reflecting the group’s view that extremist ideologies should not have a place in the democratic process. The history of the bus—previously used to transport Beate Zschäpe, a key figure in the NSU terrorist group—adds an additional layer of meaning that underscores the potential dangers of ignoring far-right movements.
Editor: they seem to have garnered quite a bit of public attention and financial support for this project via crowdfunding. What does that indicate about the current political climate in Germany?
Dr. Hermann: It suggests a growing segment of the population is not just aware of,but actively opposed to the rising influence of far-right parties like the AfD. The triumphant crowdfunding campaign demonstrates that there’s a willingness among citizens to invest in creative forms of activism. This underscores a collective desire for change and a reaffirmation of democratic values. The fact that they exceeded their initial goal of €100,000 speaks volumes about public sentiment.
Editor: There’s some controversy surrounding the authenticity of the bus itself—initial claims where refuted by the Saxon Ministry of the Interior regarding its origin. How critically important is accuracy in the messaging of such protests?
Dr. Hermann: Accuracy is crucial, especially in political protests where facts can be easily manipulated or misconstrued by opponents. The Center for Political Beauty thrives on shock and spectacle, but they must also ensure that their messages hold up under scrutiny. While the symbolic use of the bus is powerful, maintaining credibility is essential to uphold their moral stance and avoid providing ammunition for their critics.
editor: It truly seems like they’re walking a fine line between artistic expression and political activism. Do you think this campaign coudl influence the elections in any way?
Dr. Hermann: Absolutely. Such dramatic interventions can capture media attention and shape public discourse.while it may not directly change votes, campaigns like this can galvanize opposition movements and mobilize undecided voters. by highlighting the potential dangers of extremist ideologies, they foster a sense of urgency that may resonate with the broader electorate.
Editor: So, in your opinion, does art have a role in politics?
Dr. Hermann: Yes, it certainly does. Art can provoke thought, evoke emotions, and inspire action—characteristics that are essential for any form of political engagement. This intersection creates a space for dialog that may not be possible in traditional political arenas. The Center for Political Beauty is a testament to how art can be wielded as a powerful tool for social change.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hermann. Your insights have been incredibly enlightening. This campaign raises many questions about the intersection of art and activism, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds in the weeks to come.
dr. Hermann: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these important issues, and I too am eager to see the impact of this campaign.