Silvio Witt receives the Stelling Prize: Appeal for a strong democracy!

Silvio Witt receives the Stelling Prize: Appeal for a strong democracy!

On October 28, 2025, the Johannes Stelling Prize of the SPD parliamentary group was awarded in the picturesque beach pavilion in Zippendorf on Lake Schwerin, and the event attracted numerous personalities. Among them was Silvio Witt, the former mayor of Neubrandenburg, who was honored for his tireless commitment to a colorful and tolerant Neubrandenburg. The prize, which has been awarded for two decades and commemorates the murdered Social Democrat Johannes Stelling, is worth 3,000 euros. This year, honorary awards were once again given to various organizations and people who work for democracy and against discrimination.

A highlight of the event was the powerful speech by publicist Michel Friedman, who served as keynote speaker. It came in direct connection with the current political situation in Germany, which calls for a clear line against the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Friedman warned that crucial questions for the future of democracy in Germany would have to be clarified in the next four to eight years. “We have to be more decisive,” he demanded, criticizing the often hesitant attitude of the Democrats when dealing with opponents of democracy.

A call to defend values

Friedman further made it clear that calling the AfD voters protest voters was inappropriate because it misunderstood their maturity. “Our culture of debate is under-complex,” noted Friedman, pointing to the roots of political culture in the Nazi era. He emphasized the need for respectful debates, which are often avoided in German politics.

In his acceptance speech, Silvio Witt also warned against possible influence by the AfD and explained that he saw the danger of agreements with this political force. “We have to be careful not to sink to the same level,” he said, recalling that his return as mayor ended prematurely on May 31, 2025, after a dispute over the hoisting of the rainbow flag led to tumultuous events in local politics.

Reaction of state politicians

In her laudatory speech, Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig highlighted Witt's commitment to respect, diversity and humanity. “His commitment to a colorful and tolerant society is exemplary,” she explained. This award came not a few weeks after an incident in Klütz in which Witt was disinvited from an event. However, SPD parliamentary group leader Julian Barlen ensured that Friedman's critical comments had nothing to do with the events in Klütz.

There is a wide range of opinions in the political discussion about the AfD and its influence on democracy. The Amadeu Antonio Foundation points out that many people in Germany are calling for a strong coming together against the AfD. They see the party as an organized threat and demand clear measures to defend democratic values. It is high time for social cohesion to be strengthened, especially through committed local politicians, teachers and volunteers who are committed to protecting democracy.

The challenges facing German democracy are essential and complex, and calls for greater commitment are growing louder. The coming months and years have the potential to make far-reaching decisions for democracy in Germany. It is therefore important that every individual and every organization does their part to defend these values.