Perspective Shift - Experiencing and Understanding Democracy

"Change of Perspective" in Einbeck: Former Extremists Report on Extremism and Democracy How does extremism arise – and how can one exit it? These questions will be addressed at the end of January 2026 in a prevention and education project at the multifunctional hall in Einbeck. Under the title "Change of Perspective – Experiencing and Understanding Democracy," the focus will be on political education, dialogue, and strengthening democratic values. The main actors of the project are the well-known former extremists Philip Schlaffer and Axel Reitz, who openly and critically discuss their biographies, radicalization processes, and their exit from the far-right scene. A two-day event is planned for January 28 and 29, 2026, specifically targeting young people, young adults, and educational professionals. The project is being implemented by the multifunctional hall in Einbeck in collaboration with Extremislos e.V., the police, schools, and other prevention partners. In the mornings, school events will take place where Schlaffer and Reitz will provide insights into the mechanisms of extremist scenes through keynote speeches and moderated Q&A sessions. Topics will include peer pressure, ideologies, violence, online radicalization, and the question of why young people become susceptible to extremist offers. Former Scene Insiders as Prevention Workers Philip Schlaffer was deeply involved in the violent neo-Nazi scene and later in the biker and red-light scene during the 1990s and 2000s. Today, he actively engages against right-wing extremism, racism, and violence. His lectures are considered particularly impactful as they do not sugarcoat the issues and highlight the real consequences of extremist lifestyles. Axel Reitz, once one of the most well-known figures in the German neo-Nazi scene, completely renounced extremism back in 2012. Today, he works as a certified anti-violence trainer, de-escalation coach, and speaker for state and civil society institutions. In his lectures, he analyzes radicalization processes and outlines ways in which prevention and deradicalization can succeed.