Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann (FDP) has publicly supported the protests occurring against the AfD’s national party congress in Erfurt. Speaking to the broadcaster “Welt,” Strack-Zimmermann stated that party meetings often provoke reactions. She holds that in a democratic society, allowing the AfD to hold its congress is permissible, but observing it while anti-democratic actions take place or while people are incited against is not acceptable.
She emphasized that for the protests to be valid, they must remain peaceful. When asked whether she supported blockades as a legitimate form of protest, the FDP politician confirmed, “A peaceful blockade is naturally allowed.” However, she stressed that in such cases, the police must ensure that access to the venue is still granted.
“People should demonstrate-and I hope many will come-so that it is clearly shown, both internally and to Europe, that we are a living democracy and that we will not be intimidated,” Strack-Zimmermann added. She affirmed that these demonstrations must comply with the legal framework, and she maintained that the police would ensure that access remains possible.
