Citizenry is briefed by Palmer prior to the AfD discussion

In an open letter to the citizens of Tübingen, Mayor Boris Palmer has announced his participation in a substantive debate with AfD state leader Markus Frohnmaier. The debate, scheduled to take place in Tübingen, is a response to the growing strength of the AfD and a means for Palmer to address this development.

Despite disagreements on specific issues, Palmer writes that he and the AfD are united in their basic goal of keeping right-wing extremists and enemies of the constitution out of Tübingen. However, Palmer emphasizes his commitment to democratic values and opposition to the far-right, and respects the decision of the counter-protest organizers to do without his speech at the event.

The court ruling has allowed the debate to proceed, and the organization responsible for the event is the "Junge Alternative" (Young Alternative). The debate is controversial in nature, and critics have announced counter-protests for the debate on Friday evening.

Palmer considers the strategy of ignoring the party to have failed, and sees the debate as an opportunity to challenge and expose the AfD on substance. The Tübingen mayor's decision to engage in the debate has been met with criticism from some who accuse him of unnecessarily giving the AfD a platform.

Palmer expresses his full support for the counter-protests and emphasizes his commitment to democratic values. He writes that despite the controversy surrounding the debate, it is important to engage in open and substantive discussions about the issues that matter to the people of Tübingen.

The debate between Palmer and Frohnmaier is still scheduled to take place in Tübingen, and it remains to be seen how the event will unfold. Regardless, it is clear that the debate will be an important moment in the political landscape of Tübingen and a testament to the ongoing struggle for democratic values in Germany.