Right-wing extremists at the book fair: protests against right-wing publishers in Halle!

Right-wing extremists at the book fair: protests against right-wing publishers in Halle!

In Halle, the debate about cultural diversity is heating up again. On November 8, 2025, the city will be the venue for two opposing events: the controversial “Page Change” book fair and the “We” festival, which campaigns against divisions and for an open society. The book fair has come into particular focus after publishers of the New Right, including Jungeuropa Verlag and the Compact media company, took part as exhibitors. These publishers are not only controversial, but are also being monitored by security authorities, which is heating up the minds of city residents.

The organizers of the fair emphasize that the event was created in response to the difficult times for many publishers. Dagen said in the “Berliner Zeitung” that conservative and right-wing publishers in particular are under pressure and that the exchange of books and ideas is therefore more necessary than ever. Although the fair's program includes readings and discussions, including with the former President of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Hans-Georg Maaßen, the participation of the New Right is viewed critically. The publishing house Sturmzeichen, known for its problematic titles, was briefly listed in the exhibitor directory, but was then excluded due to inadmissible data manipulation.

The “We” festival: A sign of civil courage

In direct contrast to the book fair, the “We” festival takes place in parallel, which began on September 21st and includes over 400 events. This festival is a backdrop for readings, discussions and workshops, many of them for children, and commemorates the National Socialist pogroms of November 9, 1938. Almost 50 cultural and educational institutions from Halle have come together to create this platform for an open and inclusive society. Guests like the writer Martina Hefter and the journalist Gilda Sahebi strengthen the voice for equality and tolerance.

Bookseller Raimund Müller, a committed participant in the festival, describes it as a “festival of the heart” that brings the city and its citizens together with culture, moral courage and commitment. The clear message is that diversity and openness are very important, in complete contrast to the content of the book fair.

A cultural field of tension

In the tricky atmosphere surrounding both events, it is clear that the discourse on cultural identity and political freedom of expression remains virulent. While inquisitive readers and those interested in culture come together for discussions and readings, the question of how a society deals with different opinions and what content is considered acceptable also comes into focus.

The book fair and the “We” festival symbolize the tension between diversity and intolerance. It remains to be seen what impact these two events will have on the cultural climate in Halle and whether the dialogue between the most diverse opinions will be strengthened or polarized further.