Clueso defies AfD congress with 'Heimat' concert in Erfurt

German musician Clueso defied the backdrop of a large protest against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party congress by holding a concert in Erfurt. Addressing his fans on the city's Domplatz, Clueso declared his intention to use the word "Heimat," meaning homeland, asserting his right to do so in his hometown. "I live here and on the one hand I am happy and it also hurts a little to experience all this in my homeland, where you no longer know if you can say this word. But I want to say it," Clueso stated.

He emphasized his connection to the city, adding, "I want to say that this is my homeland. I want to say it without having to explain it." Clueso thanked the concertgoers and protesters for their presence, highlighting the significance of their gathering. "It is not a given that you are here. Let us simply show what music can do, in the heart of the city, in Erfurt City," he urged.

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It is not a given that you are here. Let us simply show what music can do, in the heart of the city, in Erfurt City.

Clueso's concert took place concurrently with major protests against the AfD's federal party congress, held on July 4 and 5 in Erfurt. According to police figures, approximately 31,000 people participated in demonstrations, rallies, and sit-ins. Organizers, however, estimated the turnout to be as high as 50,000.

Thuringia's Interior Minister Georg Maier (SPD) reported that the protests were largely peaceful, despite isolated incidents. The rallies were called for by trade unions and civil society alliances nationwide, indicating broad opposition to the AfD's presence and platform in Erfurt.

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I live here and on the one hand I am happy and it also hurts a little to experience all this in my homeland, where you no longer know if you can say this word. But I want to say it. I want to say that this is my homeland. I want to say it without having to explain it.