- Demonstration opposing AfD in Erfurt
Crowds join in a show of resistance against the AfD in Erfurt, a day prior to the regional voting. The "Seize the Seats" coalition organizes a procession, winding its way through the city heart to the Domplatz, a venue chosen by the AfD for their final election rally. Prominent AfD far-right figurehead and leading candidate Björn Höcke, along with federal chairwoman Alice Weidel, are anticipated to be present. With the election of a new Thuringia parliament looming on Sunday, following a charged political campaign, residents stand firm against the AfD's extreme right-wing views.
Countering the ideological drift
"We refuse to let the AfD hog the election weekend limelight with its intolerant right-wing rhetoric, intimidate residents, and utilize our city as a platform for their hate speech," the coalition stated. Thousands had previously taken to the streets of Erfurt to protest against right-wing extremism and the shift towards conservative ideals.
Recent surveys in Thuringia suggest minor fluctuations in the parties' beliefs. The AfD remains in the lead with ratings between 29 and 30%. The CDU, BSW, and the Left are trailing substantially behind. A sum of 1.66 million Thuringians are scheduled to cast their votes in the state election on Sunday.
The "Seize the Seats" coalition strongly opposes the AfD using the Domplatz for their rally, as they did in Erfurt, stating, "We won't let the AfD monopolize the election weekend with their intolerant rhetoric and exploit our city as a stage for hate speech." The Landtag, or Thuringian parliament, has been a subject of controversy due to the AfD's presence in previous terms, and many have participated in protests against right-wing extremism in the Landtag city of Erfurt.
