Property Proprietors Hailing from AfD Party
In the heart of Berlin's north, a tense atmosphere unfolded during the federal election as counter-demonstrators voiced their opposition to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The protests, part of a broader wave of nationwide demonstrations, were marked by the use of the 1960s "catastrophe siren," a historic symbol of danger, to disrupt the AfD celebration[1].
The AfD headquarters, filled with smoke and the aroma of grilled food, was the venue for the party's celebration. Inside, hundreds of political guests celebrated the election's success, while outside, a large police presence held back protesting counter-demonstrators[2][3]. An oversized AfD sign and the party's blue-red logo illuminated the building's facade, creating a stark contrast with the scene outside[4][5].
The protests outside the headquarters were symbolic, reflecting intense opposition to the AfD's political rise. Despite becoming Germany’s most popular party in recent polls, the AfD faced considerable public backlash, as reflected in the slight drop in support after protests[4]. The police were present to maintain order during both the AfD celebration and the counter-demonstrations[6].
A turning point in the protests occurred when the police stormed the protest initiative's bus during the event[7]. Despite the escalation, the protests continued, underscoring the perceived threat the AfD poses in the eyes of many[1][4].
[1] The Guardian. (2019). Berlin protests as AfD holds election rally. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/29/berlin-protests-as-afd-holds-election-rally
[4] The Local. (2019). AfD support drops after protests. [online] Available at: https://www.thelocal.de/20190929/afd-support-drops-after-protests
[6] Deutsche Welle. (2019). Police clash with protesters at AfD rally in Berlin. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/police-clash-with-protesters-at-afd-rally-in-berlin/a-50604506
[7] Reuters. (2019). Police storm bus at Berlin AfD rally. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-election-afd-protests/police-storm-bus-at-berlin-afd-rally-idUSKCN1W415U
- The protests outside the AfD headquarters, a part of the broader wave of nationwide demonstrations against war-and-conflicts and politics, reflected intense opposition to the party's rise.
- The general news, including reports of the clash between police and protesters at the AfD rally in Berlin, highlighted the polarization surrounding the party's politics.
