- Demonstrators Hindering Hoke's Show in Jena
Approximately 2,000 individuals protested against the AfD in Jena, as per preliminary police figures, halting the possible attendance of state leader Björn Höcke. The authorities employed pepper spray and batons to dispersed seated protests, a police representative explained. At first, no injuries were reported.
Höcke was slated to deliver a speech at a community dialogue in a neighborhood center. The event was called off due to safety concerns, as the police spokesperson detailed, following discussions with his security team. Consequently, Höcke didn't attend the event, and the AfD gathering consequently wrapped up. The counter-protests were documented with the police, but less individuals were initially anticipated.
In Thuringia, a fresh state parliament will be chosen on September 1. The AfD is presently polling at approximately 30%, suggesting they could emerge as the dominant force. The Thuringia Authority for the Protection of the Constitution labels the AfD in Thuringia as a firmly established right-wing extremist party.
The cancellation of Höcke's speech at the community dialogue was primarily due to safety concerns raised by the police, given the anticipated protests. Regardless, the Landtag election in September in Thuringia is expected to see the AfD gaining significant power, given their current polling numbers.
