Overview

• The AfD scrapped a planned small street demonstration in Tübingen after a deal to hold a hall discussion, with 100 seats reserved for party supporters.
• Roughly 2,000 people protested outside the venue as repeated interruptions inside led to walkouts and police removing about 30 attendees.
• Post-event, Mayor Boris Palmer wrote that some of Markus Frohnmaier’s statements on crime statistics had factual grounding, while stressing Germany is safer than 25 years ago.
• Press reactions described no clear winner, with assessments ranging from Palmer landing tactical hits to failing to significantly expose the AfD.
• Local critics said Palmer granted the AfD a valuable platform and greater visibility, and reporting noted allegations about Frohnmaier’s extremist links were not pressed during the debate.