A weekend of tension is expected in Einsiedeln, Schwyz, as a demonstration against AfD’s top candidate Alice Weidel is planned for Saturday. In response, a counter-movement is forming, led by Massvoll’s Nicolas A. Rimoldi and the Freedom Trichlers. The political tension is programmed.
Massvoll organizes counter-demon, permit still open
Opposition is now growing against the left-wing demonstration. Nicolas A. Rimoldi, the leader of the Massvoll association, has announced a “Demo against the left.” He stated, “We are fully mobilized and expect many people on Saturday. We want to set a sign that it is not possible in Switzerland to intimidate people because of their political orientation at their place of residence.”
The Freedom Trichlers are also expected to participate. Whether the event will be officially approved remains open, as Rimoldi said he will contact the authorities about it.
The Schwyz cantonal police are closely observing the situation. A spokesperson explained that the second announced demonstration would be taken into account in the security assessment. Already in September 2023, the police had to protect Weidel and her family from security threats, which sparked discussions in Einsiedeln.
AfD: “Demo against the right” in Alice Weidel’s Swiss home town announced
Just before the federal election, left-wing activists are calling for a “Demo against the right” in the Swiss home town of AfD candidate Alice Weidel. The occasion is the federal election and the growing popularity of the AfD.
The gathering will be organized by left-wing activists and is scheduled to take place on Saturday in Einsiedeln. The Schwyz cantonal police have confirmed that the gathering has been approved and that they are informed about the event.
The activists intend to express their solidarity with the anti-right protests in Germany. The occasion coincides with a significant moment in German politics, as polls are predicting the AfD to become the second strongest party in the Bundestag.
Tax dispute: Weidel and Switzerland
Weidel, the co-leader and chancellor candidate of the AfD, has been living with her family in Einsiedeln since 2019. The planned demonstration may also have been triggered by her recent statements on tax liability. Weidel stated in a television debate that she only pays taxes in Germany, although she is registered in both Germany and the canton of Schwyz. This regulation is based on the double taxation agreement between Germany and Switzerland, which has been publicly criticized in parts.
Weidel is repeatedly accused of living in Switzerland but not paying taxes there. However, this is not entirely correct, as reported by the regional newspaper Bote. Although Weidel declares her German income, she must declare the imputed rent of her apartment in Switzerland as income and the property as assets due to Swiss tax law.
A weekend of contrasts
While Alice Weidel is unlikely to be present, Einsiedeln is likely to become the stage for intense political confrontations. The planned demonstrations not only reflect the split in society but also raise fundamental questions about political freedom of opinion and public security costs. Whether the situation will remain peaceful or escalate will be shown on Saturday.