Boris Palmer and the leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Frohnmaier, lock horns in a passionate argument

Boris Palmer and the leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Frohnmaier, engage in a disagreement

In the heart of Tübingen, a heated debate between Boris Palmer, the city's mayor, and representatives from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party took place in the Boris Palmer Hall. The event was scheduled to prevent a planned AfD demonstration in mid-July, which had raised concerns among local business owners.

The debate, moderated by Joachim Knape, a professor of rhetoric at the University of Tübingen, covered six thematic blocks, including freedom of speech, climate protection, internal security and migration, housing and social affairs, economic location of Baden-Württemberg, and democracy and the rule of law.

However, the event was disrupted by frequent interruptions from the audience. Chants of "Nazis out" and "There is no right to Nazi propaganda" echoed through the hall, causing disturbances. Despite the disruptions, officers controlled access to the cordoned-off area around the hall, and numerous police vehicles were visible in the side streets.

A representative from the initiative "Grandmas Against the Right" stated that facts do not interest AfD voters. This sentiment seemed to be reflected in the debate, as AfD State Leader Markus Frohnmaier rarely engaged with Palmer's statements, while Palmer tried to counter Frohnmaier's arguments.

The demonstration against the debate, organized by more than 1,000 protesters, proceeded largely peacefully, with occasional scuffles occurring between police and protesters on the fringes. The debate began only after many troublemakers left the hall, either escorted by police or voluntarily.

It is worth noting that there is no information indicating that Frohnmaier received prior support from other politicians or organizations for his positions during the debate with Boris Palmer in the Boris Palmer Hall. The available sources only describe the event itself, the topics discussed, and the interaction without mentioning external endorsements.

The debate took place inside Boris Palmer Hall, where there were counter-protests both inside and outside the venue. Officers removed numerous troublemakers from the hall and issued exclusion orders. The police presence was massive, ensuring the safety of all participants.

Despite the disruptions, the debate served as a platform for open discussion on critical issues facing Tübingen and Baden-Württemberg. Whether or not it changed the minds of those in attendance remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and perspectives.