Former German MP Andrej Hunko tells Jamal Elaheebocus why he is attending the International Conference Against War

Can you tell us who you are and why you’re attending the International Conference Against War?

My name is Andrej Hunko, I was a member of the German parliament for 15 years and am currently chair of BSW in North Rhine-Westfalia. I think it is important that anti-war activists connect internationally and share their experiences.

What does the increasing militarism look like in your country/area and what has the response been?

Germany is witnessing the sharpest turn to militarism of all Western countries. The whole society is transforming and subordinating to be “Kriegstüchtig” (ready for war), as our defence minister terms it. There is opposition from the peace movement, but it needs to be much stronger.

Why do you think having an international anti war movement is important?

We are facing similar developments across Europe, with governments in Britain, France and Germany particularly pushing for war. The more we are internationally connected, the better we can stop them.

What are you hoping the conference will do for the anti-war movement?

I hope this will send a massive signal that we are no longer willing to tolerate this development into war. I hope there will be strong international networks. The last time I was in London was for the release of Julian Assange. In the end, we won. This time, we have to win again.