Mass Protests Erupt in Hamburg Against AfD Leader Weidel’s Visit

Alice Weidel, leader of the AfD, spoke at an event in Hamburg’s City Hall, drawing a massive protest organized by the Hamburg Alliance Against the Right. Estimates of participants varied, with police later reporting around 17,500 demonstrators. The protest featured diverse groups and messages against the AfD, leading to significant police presence and traffic disruptions. Mayor Peter Tschentscher affirmed the city’s commitment to diversity, while criticism arose from various political figures regarding Weidel’s attendance and the protests.

Massive Demonstration Against AfD in Hamburg

On Thursday evening, Alice Weidel, the leader of the AfD, addressed attendees at a party event held in Hamburg’s City Hall. Prior to her speech, an unexpected wave of protestors filled the streets of the city center.

Thousands gathered at the main train station for a significant demonstration organized by the Hamburg Alliance Against the Right. While police originally estimated around 2,000 participants, a police officer on-site later reported a staggering turnout of 17,500 individuals. The official police statement confirmed that over 16,000 people marched from Kirchenallee through Mönckebergstraße, reaching the edge of the City Hall’s restricted area. The diverse crowd included various leftist groups, unions, and political parties, all united in their chants against the AfD, proclaiming, ‘All of Hamburg hates the AfD.’

Police Presence and Public Response

Many demonstrators carried hand-painted signs with messages such as ‘Protect Democracy!’ and ‘Radical Love Now!’. Banners calling for ‘Revolution’ and ‘Abolish Capitalism’ were prominently displayed. A large sign stating ‘No Place for Nazis’ was affixed to the facade of the German Schauspielhaus, complemented by a message in Low German at the Ohnsorg Theater: ‘Keen Platz för Nazis!’

Initially, police barriers kept the demonstrators from reaching the City Hall square, but they later permitted the activists to approach. Inside, Weidel spoke at the event organized by the AfD parliamentary group in the Great Fest Hall. The police implemented strict measures, cordoning off the area with Hamburg barriers. Despite tensions, the event remained largely peaceful, with only a few instances of protesters attempting to breach the barriers. In Bergstraße, officers resorted to using pepper spray on activists who tried to push through a police line. Overall, approximately 1,500 police personnel were deployed, with nearly 600 coming from various federal states and the federal police.

The demonstrations led to road closures and significant traffic disruptions in the city center, particularly affecting the St. Georg, Altstadt, and Neustadt districts. Some bus routes were also altered to accommodate the situation.

In response to the events, Hamburg’s mayor, Peter Tschentscher (SPD), emphasized the city’s commitment to diversity and openness, expressing his thoughts on social media platform X. ‘Sometimes you also have uninvited guests in the City Hall,’ he stated, reinforcing the strength and resilience of democracy. Transport senator Anjes Tjarks (Greens) echoed this sentiment, declaring, ‘Hamburg is united!’

Criticism of Weidel’s presence came from CDU state and faction leader Dennis Thering, who expressed disappointment that a pro-Russian figure would spread divisive rhetoric in Hamburg. ‘Those who sow hatred should not be surprised by protests,’ he added, declaring that Alice Weidel is not welcome in the city.

In contrast, AfD faction leader Dirk Nockemann condemned Tschentscher’s remarks, arguing that while peaceful citizens sought to attend the event, leftist groups were planning violent blockades. ‘Instead of condemning these threats of violence, Tschentscher chooses to label us as ‘uninvited guests’ and further escalate tensions,’ he stated.

Weidel, a 66-year-old Bundestag member, had recently garnered overwhelming support, being elected first on the state list at a party congress with over 95 percent approval.

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