By Cecile Mantovani
EINSIEDELN, Switzerland (Reuters) – Approximately 250 individuals gathered on Saturday to demonstrate against the leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in a Swiss town where she maintains a residence. The protest incited counter-demonstrations in a charged atmosphere, resulting in five arrests as confirmed by authorities.
Law enforcement officials reported that several hundred counter-protesters also converged on the town of Einsiedeln, where AfD leader Alice Weidel resides with her filmmaker partner, who is of Sri Lankan descent. Weidel’s primary residence is situated just across the border in Germany.
Chanting “Nazis Out” and brandishing placards bearing messages such as “1933 Never Again,” in reference to the year Adolf Hitler seized power, opponents of the AfD’s stringent immigration policies and other initiatives marched through Einsiedeln to voice their condemnation of the party.
Public opinion polls indicate that the AfD enjoys roughly 20% support and is anticipated to secure the second position in Germany’s upcoming parliamentary election on Sunday. This surge in popularity is fueled by apprehensions regarding immigration and discontentment with the state of the economy. Weidel, aged 46, is the party’s first candidate for the position of Chancellor.
As the march progressed through town, hundreds of local residents observed under the watchful eye of a substantial police presence. Concurrently, counter-demonstrators endeavored to drown out the protesters’ chants with boos. Five individuals, in possession of prohibited items or failing to comply with police directives, were taken into custody, as reported by the police.
Law enforcement officers characterized the overall ambiance as tense, with a few individuals engaging in physical altercations. However, no injuries were documented, and significant disturbances were averted.
Weidel’s residence in Switzerland has sparked inquiries from German journalists throughout the election campaign regarding her financial situation. Earlier this month, she affirmed that she fulfills all tax obligations in Germany.
(Reporting by Cecile Mantovani; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
