The municipality of the town of Chemnitz, previously known as "Karl-Marx-Stadt" during the time of East Germany, is aiming to change its reputation after becoming a focal point for new nationalists, aspiring to transform into a cultural capital of Europe by 2025. Starting from the 18th of the month, the event will unite cultural projects, exhibitions, and concerts.
The head of the Chemnitz administration, Sven Schulze, stated: "Chemnitz often appears in the shadows; it is often undervalued compared to its neighbors - Dresden and Leipzig, which attract tourists." According to the mayor, Chemnitz has a population of 250,000 people and a gigantic statue of philosopher Karl Marx, and in recent decades, the town has undergone many upheavals. In 2018, riots occurred when new nationalists and hooligans began to harass immigrants on the streets following the murder of a Syrian man.
These events caused shock in Germany and around the world.