Planned AFD gathering in Hugenottenhalle, Neu-Isenburg sparks demonstrations
Neu-Isenburg Rents Hugenottenhalle to AfD Amidst Controversy and Protests
In a move that has sparked debate and criticism, the city of Neu-Isenburg has decided to rent the Hugenottenhalle to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party for an election event. The decision, based on legal and procedural principles, aims to uphold the constitutional rights of political parties to assembly and expression, and ensure the neutrality of public facilities.
As a public institution, Neu-Isenburg is bound by laws that guarantee political parties the right to hold meetings and events, regardless of public opinion or controversy surrounding them. Denying rental based solely on the AfD’s political stance could constitute unlawful discrimination against a political party.
Public venues like the Hugenottenhalle must be made available impartially to all parties and groups that meet the rental requirements. The city cannot arbitrarily refuse usage if the AfD fulfills the formal conditions, as this could be challenged legally as a violation of equal treatment under administrative law.
Although the city must rent the space, it has the duty to coordinate with police and other agencies to ensure that the event is conducted peacefully. The presence of counter-protests does not justify a refusal of rental, as security measures can be taken to manage both groups.
The city likely follows established policies or legal precedents that affirm that political plurality and democratic principles require that even controversial groups be allowed access to facilities on neutral terms, avoiding censorship or political bias by public authorities.
Despite the decision, many citizens are critical of the move. The OMAS GEGEN RECHTS, a group consisting of members from Frankfurt, Offenbach, Neu-Isenburg, Dreieich, and Langen, supports the planned protests. Alice Weidel, a prominent AfD member, is expected to attend the event scheduled for February 1st.
After the event, the city of Neu-Isenburg will evaluate its implementation to ensure compliance with the rule of law and security requirements. The city is in contact with the police and other relevant authorities to ensure public safety during the event and the planned protests. The city will also assess the impact of the event on local affairs following its conclusion.
Mayor Hagelstein emphasized that the rental does not constitute support or endorsement of the political positions of the AfD, but rather upholds democratic rules. The city's neutrality requirement when allocating the Hugenottenhalle is paramount, ensuring that all political parties are treated equally.
- The following decision, taken by Neu-Isenburg, regardless of public opinion or controversy, reflects the city's obligation to rent the Hugenottenhalle to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) for general news, politics, and crime-and-justice-related discussions, under impartial terms, according to administrative law and democratic principles.
- Armed with the constitutional rights of political parties to assembly and expression, the city's rental of the Hugenottenhalle for a war-and-conflicts-related AfD event indicates its commitment to upholding the principles of political plurality and neutrality, even in the face of protests or controversies.
