Protesters in Duesseldorf Demonstrate Against AfD Event - Current News from Ddorf (paraphrased)
Citizens of Düsseldorf are called upon to show solidarity against right-wing extremism on Monday, May 26th, with a gathering planned to counter an AfD event. The far-right political party has once again invited people to a discussion at the Bürgerhaus Bilk, an invitation that has been met with widespread disapproval as the AfD is seldom welcomed by the majority of Düsseldorf residents.
The AfD has invited Claus Henning Gahr, their Oberbürgermeister candidate, and Anna Nguyen, a hessian Landtagsabgeordnete, to lead the discussion. The event's theme will reportedly address the recent classification of the AfD as an extremist party by Germany's spy agency. A similar event was held in April, to which only selected media representatives were granted entry.
Maximilian Lykissas, spokesperson for the group "Duesseldorf stellt sich quer" (DSSQ), has taken issue with the AfD's attempts to present themselves in a more benign light. "With the invitation of Anna Nguyen, the Düsseldorf AfD is now trying to give themselves a harmless image," he stated, pointing out that their online platforms are often used to promote a racist remigration policy. The Düsseldorf branch of the AfD is known for maintaining close relationships with organized violent far-right groups, as evidenced by their push for the forced housing of homeless individuals at the Bergische Kaserne, which aligns with national socialist ideology.
The AfD has frequently attempted to portray themselves as victims, despite being responsible for much unrest and division within society. The discussions organized by the AfD are a continuation of their efforts to spread radical ideology while appearing to advocate for peaceful objectives. However, the people of Düsseldorf refuse to be deceived. Their counter-protests make it clear that they do not want the AfD present in their city. And rightly so, as no city needs a party that discriminates against people based on their ethnicity or religion, and actively supports violent ideologies.
It is crucial that we stand together and strongly resist right-wing propaganda and extremism, ensuring we preserve an open and tolerant society. So join us on Monday outside the Bürgerhaus Bilk to send a strong message that we stand for diversity, respect, and solidarity.
The AfD has invited Claus Henning Gahr and Anna Nguyen to lead a discussion about the recent classification of their party as extremist by Germany's spy agency, which will happen at the Bürgerhaus Bilk, a gathering met with disapproval. Maximilian Lykissas, spokesperson for the group "Duesseldorf stellt sich quer," has criticized the AfD's attempts to present a harmless image, pointing out their online platforms promoting a racist remigration policy and close ties to violent far-right groups. Join us on Monday outside the Bürgerhaus Bilk to show solidarity against right-wing extremism and stand for diversity, respect, and solidarity.
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