LEVERKUSEN, Germany – More than 1,000 people took part in protests against an event organized by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, on October 20. Local media reported that the number of demonstrators reached around 1,500.
The AfD held an event titled “European Policy Evening” at the Forum Leverkusen. Alice Weidel, co-leader of the party, and Ulrich Siegmund, a prominent AfD politician from Saxony-Anhalt, were among those expected to attend.
Broad coalition joins the protests
The demonstrations took place in the Wiesdorf district of Leverkusen following a call by the “Bündnis gegen Rechts” (Alliance Against the Right).
The coalition included representatives of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens and the Left Party, as well as civil society organizations and trade unions.
The Verdi trade union organized a march under the slogan calling for the protection of democracy, diversity and freedom against racism, hatred and incitement. The “Omas gegen Rechts” (Grannies Against the Right) initiative also planned a separate protest near the Forum.
Police intervene as tensions rise
According to local media reports, protests became louder as AfD politicians arrived at the venue. Police intervened after some demonstrators attempted to block access to the building.
Authorities said the demonstrations remained largely peaceful. However, investigations were launched into graffiti and incidents involving some masked individuals, according to local reports.
The protests ended in the evening in front of Leverkusen’s town hall. The Cologne-based band Bläck Fööss performed a short concert to promote peaceful coexistence.
The demonstrations highlighted the strong opposition mobilized by political parties, trade unions and civil society groups in response to the AfD’s European policy event in Leverkusen.
Author: Kadir Ilboga
