Petition against AfD: Demanding immediate termination of the Swan Hall!

Petition against AfD: Demanding immediate termination of the Swan Hall!

In a lively debate about the Darmstadt city administration petition, which is aimed at Mayor Hanno Benz, made waves. This was initiated to protest against the upcoming AfD New Year's reception, which is scheduled to take place on January 21, 2026 in the Ernst-Ludwig-Saal in Darmstadt-Eberstadt.

The landlord of the Schwanensaal is the Science City of Darmstadt, which, according to §17c of the general rental conditions, is entitled to terminate the rental agreement without notice if the event is to be feared as disrupting public safety and order or damaging the city's reputation. The petition argues that this is exactly the case. It is particularly emphasized that AfD events have propagated racist, homophobic and xenophobic content in the past.

Cultural traditions in focus

The initiators of the petition point to Darmstadt's long democratic tradition as well as the important resistance fighters who fought for freedom and equality. “The rental agreement with the AfD must be terminated without notice,” were the clear demands. The petitions also recall a startling comment by Björn Höcke, a leading member of the AfD, which is cited as evidence of the substantial problem.

From another perspective, it shows that the AfD is also struggling with difficulties in Berlin. How daily news reports that the party is having trouble with its landlord of the party headquarters in Berlin-Wittenau. Although a court found breaches of contract, it rejected the termination without notice, which gives the AfD a certain amount of leeway. It seems as if the party is struggling with growing tensions not only in Darmstadt, but also in the capital.

The situation is particularly explosive because the landlord Lukas Hufnagl from the real estate company “Quercus Grund” has expressed his doubts about the AfD's rentable past. After an election party that did not comply with the terms of the contract and where tents and barbecues were set up in the courtyard, the landlord expressed serious concerns about property damage. This sheds further light on the difficulties the AfD is having with its tenancies.

Political effects and reactions

The AfD's votes in the region show that it certainly has a certain amount of support. In the last local elections in the House of Diversity constituency in Darmstadt-Eberstadt, the party received 23.88% of the vote. A clear reminder that the issue has far-reaching political implications. Even if the AfD polarizes public perception, it is clear that it is impossible to imagine the political landscape without it.

The debate about the rental agreement, the dangers of agitation in urban spaces and the city's dealings with the AfD will shape the coming weeks. The demands on Mayor Hanno Benz will not become quieter, while the protesters make it clear that they will not accept the AfD's rent in urban spaces.