German Town Blocks AfD Convention Over Extremism Fears and Legal Battles Erupt
The Seybothenreuth city council has terminated its rental agreement with the AfD after passing a resolution to uphold democracy and tolerance. The move comes ahead of a planned party convention in December 2025, where AfD leader Björn Höcke was set to speak. Legal disputes have since erupted over the decision, with courts backing the town’s stance.
The conflict began when Seybothenreuth’s administration initially agreed to rent a venue for the AfD’s 2025 convention. However, the council later reversed course, citing concerns over Höcke’s rhetoric. A speaking ban was imposed on him, prompting the AfD to file a lawsuit against the town.
The Administrative Court in Bayreuth upheld the ban, ruling that Höcke’s past speeches carried a high risk of containing National Socialist or anti-Semitic content. This marks the second time a Bavarian court has enforced such a restriction under a new clause in the state’s Municipal Code.
The AfD responded by challenging the decision at the Munich Administrative Court. The party has vowed to keep fighting for what it calls freedom of opinion in Bavaria. Meanwhile, left-wing groups have announced plans for a large anti-AfD protest during the convention, with thousands expected to attend.
The town’s cancellation of the rental agreement stands, and the speaking ban on Höcke remains in place. The AfD’s legal battle continues, but for now, the convention’s future in Seybothenreuth is uncertain. Protests are still set to go ahead, adding to the tensions surrounding the event.
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