Proposal requested for a worker radiation safety directive from Commission regarding ionising radiation risks.
Düsseldorf AfD Event Marred by Counter-Protests and Criticism
On Tuesday, April 15, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) held an event at the Bachsaal in Bürgerhaus Bilk, where they presented their Lord Mayor candidate, Claus Henning Gahr, and unveiled their election program. The event, however, was met with significant opposition, as counter-protesters gathered in large numbers to voice their disapproval.
The police were present in large numbers due to the anticipated counter-protests, setting up barriers to prevent protesters from getting too close to the entrance. Access to the event was restricted to those who had registered prior.
The AfD's district chairman, Elmar Salinger, confirmed their plan to combat homelessness in the inner city, but specific proposals regarding homelessness, drug addiction, or refugee issues in Düsseldorf remain unclear.
The AfD's proposals are seen as oriented towards National Socialist ideology by some, and their approach has been criticized for its emphasis on immigration restriction and security over social welfare. Sabine Reimann, a right-wing extremism researcher at the University of Düsseldorf, condemned the AfD's statements as cheap populism. Michael Harbaum, director of the Düsseldorf Drug Help Center, compared the statements to the work camps of the Nazi era.
Social workers from fiftyfifty warned against the increasing social racism in the AfD's proposals. The AfD's plan for social reintegration includes a detoxification phase followed by a compact training program.
The event was scheduled to start at 7 p.m., and the delegation of the Brotherhood Germany was allowed to enter, despite arriving a little late. More than 200 people gathered next to the entrance to express their opposition to the AfD. Chants included "All of Düsseldorf hates the AfD" and "Nazis out".
The Omas against the Right, representatives of the SPD, the Left, DSSQ, and many others were among the protesters. Betti Tielker from Düsseldorf (DSSQ) criticized the AfD's plan to establish a shelter for the homeless, drug addicts, and refugees in Bergische Kaserne.
The AfD's communal election program was to be published at the event, with Sven Tritschler and Carsten Groß expected as guests. Before the event, the Lord Mayor candidate Claus Henning Gahr obtained an energy drink from a nearby store.
The AfD's focus on tighter immigration controls and stricter deportation policies, as well as their national proposals to reject illegal entry without exceptions and increase detention for deportation, have sparked political controversies and police investigations. The local activities of the AfD, such as town hall meetings in Düsseldorf, have faced significant counter-protests, indicating public opposition to their policies and rhetoric at the city level.
For more detailed information on the AfD's specific proposals and critiques regarding homelessness, drug addiction, or refugee issues in Düsseldorf, further targeted local sources such as Düsseldorf city council disclosures, local media, or AfD Düsseldorf party publications would be necessary.
- Despite the AfD's announcement of their election program and the presentation of their Lord Mayor candidate at the Bachsaal, the event was dominated by counter-protests on social media, with hashtags like #StopTheAfD trending.
- The general news outlets covered the event in Bürgerhaus Bilk extensively, reporting on the war-and-conflicts between the AfD supporters and the counter-protesters, raising questions about the party's stance on politics and pop-culture.
- The entertainment industry, keen on addressing crime-and-justice and general-news issues, has largely distanced itself from the AfD due to concerns about the party's proposed tough immigration policies and their National Socialist ideology references, which have sparked controversy.
- As elections approach, critics on social media continue to condemn the AfD's proposals, particularly those concerning homelessness and refugees, arguing that their approaches mimic the practices of an earlier era – a stark reminder of war-and-conflicts and darker chapters in history.
