Massive Anti-AfD Rally in Münster: Thousands Gather in Peaceful Protest

2024-02-16 18:56:15

Thousands of people had already gathered at the Principal Market in Münster by Friday afternoon. Shortly after the rally began, there were 30,000 people in the city center, the police said.

Because of the large crowd, the police had to block access to the Principal Market shortly after the rally began. At around 6:15 p.m. all meeting areas were closed.

“Nazis out” and “The whole of Münster hates the AfD” are chanted by the demonstrators in the direction of the town hall, where the AfD is holding its New Year’s reception. The participants of this event are greeted by the demonstrators with slogans.

The rally will take place on a stage on the Principal Market in front of the Lamberti Church. Speeches from the parties SPD, Greens and the Left are planned there.

Representatives of Münster’s social associations, churches and other organizations will also have their say. These include the city’s Integration Council and the youth alliance against anti-Semitism. In between there is live music.

AfD New Year’s reception started on time

The AfD New Year’s reception began promptly at 7 p.m. Peter Böhringer, budget spokesman for the AfD federal parliamentary group, was one of the key speakers. He described the protest as “incitement organized from above.” The comparison of the party with historical National Socialism, which is based on the slogans of the demonstrators, is grotesque.

In his opinion, the protest does not come from the citizens themselves. He also criticized the fact that many guests were not able to take part in the event due to blockades. Police confirmed that some guests were unable to get through to City Hall. However, all participants were made aware of the situation in advance and asked to arrive early.

Peaceful demonstration so far

According to the emergency services, the demonstration has so far been largely peaceful. The police only occasionally asked demonstrators to take off their masks. Some identities were identified.

“A clear signal is needed from civil society.” Mayor Markus Lewe

Around 30 mayors from Münsterland also called for people to take part in the demonstration. Münster’s mayor Markus Lewe (CDU) agreed to this. “We must clearly stand up for diversity and democracy and also clearly position ourselves against any form of political extremism,” says Lewe.

European flags in front of the cathedral

The diocese of Münster hoisted European flags in front of the cathedral on Friday. “On the part of St. Paul’s Cathedral, we would like to show the flag for human dignity and charity. We are committed to a solidarity-based, tolerant and diverse society,” said cathedral provost Hans-Bernd Köppen about the campaign.

“We will resolutely counter any form of exclusion, hatred, racism and anti-Semitism.” Cathedral provost Hans-Bernd Köppen

The police had taken special security precautions this year because they had expected significantly more demonstrators than in previous years. In addition to the Principal Market, the demonstrators also gathered on Cathedral Square, where the rally will be broadcast live.

In order to keep rescue and escape routes clear, the police have closed Michaelisplatz as a connection between Prinzipalmarkt and Domplatz.

We will also report on this topic on February 16, 2024 WDR radio and in WDR Television: Local time Münsterland.

Uour sources: