AfD citizens' dialogue in Linn: Protest for diversity and tolerance

AfD citizens' dialogue in Linn: Protest for diversity and tolerance

in Linn, a city that was once known as part of the historic Linn Castle, is once again a demonstration. On February 18, 2023, the right -wing populist AfD plans to hold a so -called citizen dialogue in the museum barn. This marks the second time since 2019 that the city has approved such an event, which has led to great counter -activity in the past. In a former citizen dialog, a festival for democracy mobilized hundreds of participants who set an example against the AfD.

Event under the legal framework

The legal framework for such events is clear: The city has no legal means to cancel the AfD event, as can be seen from an official statement. The principle of equal treatment from the party law (PartG) and the Basic Law (GG) gives the AfD the right to rent the museum barn because it was not banned by the Federal Constitutional Court. This opens up a room for the AfD, which many consider to be problematic.

Mayor Frank Meyer commented on the Situation and welcomes the counter-demonstration. "I am happy about everyone who confesses color and show that Krefeld is a tolerant, cosmopolitan and diverse city," he said in an interview. He also emphasized that the city did not want to draw any financial benefits from the event. The rental income from the AfD event will be fed to the Association of Villa Merländer to support projects that are fighting racism and fascism.

In connection with the citizens' dialogue, a wide alliance of organizations on the counter-demonstration calls. This includes groups such as the CSD committee, the SPD and Fridays for future. You have chosen the motto "Never again is now - colorful and in many different ways of the AfD". Your demonstration begins at 6 p.m. in front of the museum barn at Albert-Steger-Straße 5 and aims to set a sign against the ideology of the AfD.

The upcoming counter-demonstration reflects the growing concern about the activities of the AfD in the region. For many, this mobilization is not only a protest against a specific event, but also a symbol for the struggle for the values of an open and diverse society. At a time when extreme views become more visible in different parts of society, the question remains how such events and the resulting protests are embedded in the broader discussion about tolerance and democracy.

It will be interesting to observe how the dynamics between the AfD and the organizations, which are committed to combating their ideologies, develop in the coming days. A large number of voices will be heard from the population, and it can be expected that both the participants of the citizens' dialogue and the counter -demonstrators will set a strong signal in public through their presence and message.

A dialog in a controversial environment

The effort of the city to protect the right to such a meeting is strong contrast to the efforts of the initiators of the counter-demonstration. These consider that the right of assembly is also associated with responsibility to stand up for the values that the West has been up to for some time: freedom, equality and tolerance. The consideration of these rights towards the fears and concerns of the citizens remains a delicate but necessary discussion in public space.

Background of the AfD and Bürgerdialoge

The alternative for Germany (AfD) was founded in 2013 and has since developed into one of the most important parties in the German legal spectrum. Originally started as an economic liberal party, she has increasingly acquired nationalist and identity positions over the years. Citizens' dialogues, such as the upcoming event in Krefeld, are a way for the AfD to communicate directly with the citizens and to spread their views. These types of events are often criticized by supporters as an opportunity for dialogue and opponents as a platform for populist and extremist ideologies.

In the past, such citizen dialogues have often triggered both consent and vehement rejection. An example of this was the 2019 Festival in Krefeld, which was intended as a clear protest measure against the AfD. This type of commitment shows that many citizens actively position themselves against what they see as a threat to democratic values.

Demonstrations and the role of civil society

The counter event, which is organized by an alliance from various organizations, illustrates the role of civil society in dealing with extreme political currents. Organizations such as the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB), the SPD and Fridays for Future are in a long tradition of actively fighting discrimination and racism. Their mobilization shows that the citizens in Krefeld and beyond want to raise their voice to set a sign of diversity and tolerance.

Such demonstrations are not only an expression of political opinion pluralism, but also an important opportunity to draw public attention to specific social and political issues. The fact that several groups work together to organize this counter -demonstration shows the broad consensus about the need to position themselves against right -wing extremist views.