Germany: Protests expected in Hanover for far-right conference Dec. 2-3

Event

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is set to hold its federal party conference on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, at the Hanover Congress Center (HCC) in Hanover, Lower Saxony. Protesters critical of the AfD peacefully gathered in the city center on the evening of Friday, December 1, and more demonstrations are expected in the coming days. Police have received at least six applications for additional protests in the city over the weekend, with approximately 5000 demonstrators expected to attend. Reports say left-wing group “Our Alternative” plans to bus protesters in from across Germany to stage a rally against the AfD. The rally will begin on Saturday morning at Theodor-Heuss-Platz and then will proceed through the Zoo Quarter to Georgsplatz, where several local trade unions are expected to join.

An increased security presence is expected in Hanover, as well as transportation disruptions near any demonstrations. Violent clashes between protesters and security forces are unlikely, but cannot be ruled out.

Context

AfD previously held its party conference in Hanover in 2015, drawing only minor demonstrations against the party with fewer than 200 protesters reportedly participating. However, the AfD was seated for the first time in the Bundestag in 2017 after it received 12.6 percent of the vote in the federal election held on September 24, raising its national profile and galvanizing its opposition.

Advice

Individuals in Hanover are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to strictly avoid all demonstrations, and to anticipate transportation disruptions.