Activists in Switzerland are planning a demonstration in Einsiedeln, the hometown of AfD politician Alice Weidel, to show solidarity with anti-right-wing protests in Germany. The event, scheduled for Saturday, will take place in the small town in the canton of Schwyz.
The protest is expected to draw attention to the current political climate in Germany, where the AfD is predicted to become the second-strongest party in the Bundestag, according to recent polls. Weidel, the co-leader and chancellor candidate of the AfD, has lived in Einsiedeln with her family since 2019.
The planned demonstration may have been sparked by Weidel’s recent statements on tax liability. In a television debate, she said she only pays taxes in Germany, despite being registered in both Germany and the canton of Schwyz, citing a double taxation agreement between Germany and Switzerland.
The Kantonspolizei Schwyz has confirmed knowledge of the planned demonstration and stated that it has been officially approved by the Einsiedeln district. The police will be present on the scene to monitor the situation, but no further information on the security plan has been given.
Weidel’s press spokesperson said she will not attend the demonstration due to scheduling conflicts, but emphasized that her relationship with the residents of Einsiedeln remains positive.
Einsiedeln’s Landschreiber, Patrick Schönbächler, highlighted the high level of freedom of opinion and assembly in Switzerland, which can be exercised within the framework of the law.
“The fundamental principle of freedom of opinion and assembly applies and everyone can make use of it – of course, in a lawful manner” he said.
The organizers expect a small and brief gathering on the designated site.