Scandal surrounding the music festival in Jamel: Campino vs. CDU district administrator!

Scandal surrounding the music festival in Jamel: Campino vs. CDU district administrator!

The musical protest against right-wing extremism once again took place impressively this year: the “Jamel rocks the Förster” festival took place in Jamel, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, at the weekend. The artist couple Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer have been organizing this event since 2007 to take a stand against the years of domination of the community by neo-Nazis. The festival developed from a democracy festival and has now attracted numerous artists and bands who raise their voices against right-wing extremism.

At this year's graduation on August 23, 2025, with more than 3,500 visitors, the Chemnitz band Kraftklub, whose commitment to the right against the right is well known, performed. Die Toten Hosen, who appeared as a surprise band on Friday, announced a political discourse. Frontman Campino took the opportunity to sharply oppose CDU district administrator Tino Schomann, who discussed the CDU's proximity to right-wing extremist groups.

Conflicts surrounding the festival

However, preparations for the festival were overshadowed by disputes with the relevant authorities. The district had imposed extensive requirements, which included, among other things, a ban on glass bottles and increased the number of stewards. These measures were perceived by the Lohmeyers and the festival organizers as excessive and demotivating. The municipality of Gägelow, where the festival took place, was also asked to pay a rent of 8,000 euros for the space for the first time. In order to be able to register the event as a political meeting in order to avoid nationwide costs, the organizers had to overcome legal hurdles.

An additional conflict arose in the days before the festival when access was blocked due to evidence of protected fire-bellied toads. This caused tension because the path between the campsite and the concert site was only allowed to be used to a limited extent during the night.

Political commitment and awards

Despite these challenges, the festival was a great success and sent a strong message against the right. The Lohmeyers were recognized for their tireless efforts, including receiving the Solbach Freise Foundation's Prize for Civil Courage before the festival began. This honor was given to them to recognize their continuous fight against the ongoing hostility and attacks by neo-Nazis that have plagued the community of Jamel for years.

In the midst of all these events, Schomann emphasized that freedom of expression at gatherings should be respected, but also has limits. He described Campino's criticism as defamation and pointed out the legal basis for the district's actions. This confrontation has brought the festival even more into the spotlight and illustrates the importance of such events in the fight against right-wing extremism.

It remains to be seen how future events will develop and what reactions policymakers will have to the voices of artists and activists.