As Europe continues its rightward shift – with far-right parties polling strongly, democratic norms under strain, and the European Union facing deep fragmentation – MERA25 Frankfurt is inviting the public to a timely political discussion ahead of the 2026 local elections.

On Saturday, 28 February 2026, MERA25 Frankfurt will host a public information evening featuring renowned British economist and DiEM25 Coordinating Collective member Grace Blakeley, who will join via video link. The event will examine the underlying causes of authoritarian and fascist developments across Europe and beyond — with a particular focus on the role of economic and financial policy.

Rather than treating the rise of the far right as an isolated cultural phenomenon, the discussion will address how economic inequality, austerity, financialisation and political complacency have created fertile ground for reactionary forces. Through short keynote contributions followed by a panel discussion and moderated audience debate, participants will explore what must change at municipal, national and international levels to counter these trends.

Alongside Blakeley, speakers will include MERA25 Frankfurt’s lead candidates Nikolaos Tsakmakis and Catherina Schönhammer, as well as candidates Draženka Vecerin and Alexander Leipold. The discussion will be moderated by Vincent Welsch from the Hesse state executive board of MERA25. The event will be held primarily in German, with Blakeley’s contributions translated.

Lead candidate Catherina Schönhammer emphasised the urgency of the moment:

“We are very pleased to have secured highly qualified speakers for our information evening – including the well-known British economist, author and political activist Grace Blakeley. In a social climate increasingly shaped by chauvinism, xenophobia and resentment, the importance of antifascism cannot be stressed strongly enough. However, antifascism must be linked to concrete political action – including in economic and financial policy.”

She added that the aim of the event is to strengthen “a practical understanding of antifascism” and to collectively explore which concrete measures are necessary to confront the fascist threat – both locally and internationally.

When and where will the event take place?

• Where: Hausprojekt Kolle GmbH, Schöffenstraße 9B, Frankfurt am Main
• When: 17:00 to 18:30 (doors open 16:45), February 28, 2026

Admission is free and no registration is required.