NRW head of government - Wüst: Heart instead of agitation, respect instead of racism
North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) thanked the tens of thousands of protesters and the police for their efforts during the AfD party convention. "The many thousands of demonstrators in Essen show: In North Rhine-Westfalia, there is no place for incitement, hate, and right-wing extremism," the head of the German Press Agency quoted the regional leader as saying on Saturday. "It is a strong signal from civil society for our democracy that so many people are taking to the streets against anti-democrats."
It should be clear, however, that violence will not be tolerated. "Everyone can argue passionately about the issue as they see fit - but violence should never be an option," clarified the CDU politician. The peacefully demonstrating people set the sign "Heart instead of Hate, Respect instead of Racism". The AfD is holding a two-day federal party convention in Essen's Grugahalle until Sunday.
- Despite the ongoing AfD party conference in Essen's Grugahalle, Hendrik Wüst, the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia from the CDU party, acknowledged the significance of the large-scale demonstrations against right-wing extremism and hate speech.
- The AfD party conference in North Rhine-Westphalia was met with powerful demonstrations, led by Wüst, who praised the efforts of both the protesters and the police during the event.
- Wüst expressed his gratitude to the attending police officers for their professional handling of the demonstrations, emphasizing that this peacefully maintained event was a clear statement against right-wing extremism and incitement within the AfD party.
- The CDU politician, Hendrik Wüst, reiterated his stance during the AfD party conference in North Rhine-Westphalia, stating that while everyone is entitled to their opinions, the use of violence is strictly prohibited as they discuss important social issues.
- In addition to the federal party convention of the AfD in Essen, a peaceful demonstration took place, displaying banners that read "Heart instead of Hate, Respect instead of Racism," supported by numerous individuals from civil society in North Rhine-Westphalia.