Dortmund erupts in protest as far-right AfD event proceeds despite mayor's ban
A planned New Year's reception by the far-right AfD party in Dortmund sparked major protests on 6 January 2025. Around 3,300 demonstrators gathered outside City Hall to oppose the appearance of controversial figure Björn Höcke. The event itself went ahead after a last-minute court ruling overturned the mayor's ban.
Dortmund's mayor, Alexander Kalouti of the CDU, initially granted permission for the AfD's reception. But when it became clear Björn Höcke would speak, Kalouti revoked the approval on 3 January. The AfD challenged this in court, arguing that the ban violated their right to assembly under Article 8 of Germany's constitution. On 10 January, the administrative court in Gelsenkirchen sided with the party, stating there was no evidence of an immediate threat of violence.
Höcke attended the event alongside roughly 280 guests, entering City Hall through the underground garage without obstruction. Meanwhile, outside, protesters led by the Young Socialists (Jusos), the Green Party, and the Left Youth filled Peace Square. Organisers had expected around 600 demonstrators, but police estimated the crowd at over 3,000. Michelle Gnatzy of the Jusos said they would not allow 'enemies of democracy' to use the venue. Mayor Kalouti later joined the protest, declaring he did not want Höcke in his City Hall. However, SPD lawmaker Volkan Baran criticised Kalouti for approving the event in the first place and acting too late to stop it.
The AfD's reception took place as planned after the court overturned the ban. Protesters maintained a visible presence outside, far outnumbering the event's attendees. The legal ruling confirmed that no concrete risk of violence had been proven, allowing the gathering to proceed without incident.
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