AfD event draws counter-protesters in Grimmen ahead of state elections

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party held an election rally in Grimmen, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where party leaders accused the state's Minister-President, Manuela Schwesig, of personality cult and falsehoods. The AfD's lead candidate and parliamentary group leader, Enrico Schult, declared the party's intention to govern, stating, "We have come to govern."

Outside the venue, a strong police presence separated approximately 150 counter-demonstrators from AfD supporters. The counter-protesters initiated a whistling protest, and verbal exchanges occurred between the two groups. The event, which was expected to feature federal co-chairs Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel, saw Weidel cancel her appearance shortly before it began.

With state elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern scheduled for September 20, the AfD currently leads in polls. A mid-August INSA survey indicated the AfD with 36% of the vote, followed by the SPD at 29% and The Left at 11%. The Christian Democrats (CDU) and the Greens are also projected to enter the state parliament, with 10% and 5% respectively.

The rally, attended by around 400 invited guests, highlighted the political tensions in the region as parties campaign for the upcoming elections. The AfD's strong polling suggests a significant challenge to the established parties in the state.

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We have come to govern.