Adler Schiffe cancels AfD event on paddle steamer

The Sylt-based shipping company Adler Schiffe has canceled a planned "citizens' dialogue" event for the AfD parliamentary group, which was to be held on the paddle steamer "Freya" in Kiel on June 13, 2026.

The company stated that it rents its ships exclusively based on business criteria, a practice it has maintained for over 75 years. Adler Schiffe emphasized that it does not engage in political, religious, or ideological positioning. No specific reasons were given for the cancellation of the AfD event.

However, the decision followed resistance within the Sylt community. According to the "Flensburger Tageblatt," the main committee of the municipality unanimously decided on Tuesday evening to urge the shipping company to prevent the rental. A spokesperson for the municipality confirmed that the mayor was tasked with speaking with the shipping company's owner.

AfD Bundestag member Kurt Kleinschmidt criticized the pressure on the shipping company, calling it "highly undemocratic" and equating the influence to a boycott call. The AfD parliamentary group had not yet responded to an inquiry regarding the matter.