In the Swiss town of Einsiedeln, the residence of AfD chancellor candidate Alice Weidel, a permitted demonstration took place on Saturday under the motto “Against the Right-Wing Shift”. The event, attended by around 250 people, is part of a series of protests against the AfD in Germany. At the same time, an unpermitted counter-demonstration formed, consisting of about 200 participants, including supporters of the Mass-Voll movement led by Nicolas Rimoldi.
The Swiss cantonal police, with a large deployment, carried out intensified person checks at the access roads and at the train station, aiming to prevent a direct confrontation between the two groups. Despite this, there were provocations and isolated incidents, including beer being thrown at demonstration participants and physical altercations.
The police took a total of five people into temporary custody, including Nicolas Rimoldi, according to the police, for violating the assembly law.
Alice Weidel has lived in Einsiedeln with her partner and two children for several years, a fact that has repeatedly sparked discussions, particularly in the context of her political engagement in Germany.
The organizers of the permitted demonstration expressed satisfaction with the event’s outcome, emphasizing its peaceful nature. The police stated that larger disturbances were prevented and no property damage occurred.
Nicolas Rimoldi has since been released from custody.