- A large demonstration against AfD planned in Erfurt
With a large rally, representatives of trade unions, social associations, and democracy initiatives aim to encourage people to vote for parties other than the AfD just days before the state election. In sectors such as gastronomy and healthcare and elderly care, there are threats of significant cuts if the AfD gains governmental responsibility in Thuringia, says Renate Sternatz, deputy chairwoman of the German Trade Union Confederation Hesse-Thuringia.
Many of those employed in these sectors have a migration background and, according to the AfD, should leave the country. "We cannot allow this," said Sternatz. The civil society will also make this clear.
Warning to parties
According to the organizers of the rally - the alliance "On the places Erfurt" - the event will take place on August 25 in front of the state parliament in Erfurt. The rally is also intended to be a call to other parties not to cooperate with the AfD, says a spokeswoman for the alliance.
The experiences of the past years have shown that the election of FDP politician Thomas Kemmerich as Thuringian Minister President with the votes of the AfD on February 5, 2020, was only the beginning of further joint votes with the AfD. "It continues in the municipal parliaments and this must not happen in a state parliament," says the spokeswoman.
The spokeswoman is reluctant to comment on the expected number of participants in the rally. "It would, of course, be wonderful if we could get 10,000 onto the streets again," she said. However, predictions about the number of participants are difficult.
Numerous events planned
In the week before the rally at the state parliament, numerous artists in Erfurt will also position themselves against the election of the AfD. There will be numerous corresponding events throughout the city area, it is said.
In recent polls for the state election, the AfD with far-right leader Björn Höcke is in first place and has chances of more than a third of the seats in parliament. The Thuringian AfD is classified by the state constitutional protection as securely right-wing extremist and is monitored.
The Commission has expressed concern over the potential electoral success of the AfD in the upcoming state election, given their far-right stance and potential impact on various sectors. Following the controversial election of Thomas Kemmerich as Thuringian Minister President with AfD votes in 2020, the Commission urges other parties to refrain from cooperating with the AfD in the state parliament, as it could lead to further joint votes and strengthen their influence.
