Protest Disrupts AfD Leader’s Live TV Interview
Public Broadcaster Reviews Procedures After Live Broadcast Interrupted
A live television interview with a prominent far-right politician was significantly disrupted by a protest, prompting the German public broadcaster to re-evaluate its operational protocols. The incident occurred during a broadcast featuring Alice Weidel, co-leader of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party.
Protesters Drown Out Interview
During the interview on Sunday with ARD, Weidel appeared to struggle to hear questions due to a demonstration unfolding near the temporary stage in Berlin. Demonstrators employed whistles, shouting, and a bus equipped with loudspeakers to broadcast an anti-AfD song titled “Scheiß AfD Jodler” by activist choir Corner Chor.
The protest also involved groups such as Omas gegen Rechts (Grans against the Right) and the artists’ collective Zentrum für Politische Schönheit (the Center for Political Beauty). Some portions of the interview became inaudible to television viewers, impacting the broadcast’s clarity.
AfD Demands Rerun; Broadcaster Considers Future Measures
The anti-immigrant AfD party has demanded a rerun of the interview to allow Weidel a fair opportunity to respond to questions. This interview was part of a series featuring politicians from various parties. ARD stated on Monday that it would learn from the incident but has not confirmed if the interview will be repeated.
“An uninterrupted flow in interviews is in our interest and, above all, in the interest of the audience. Therefore, we will draw conclusions from the broadcast and take precautions in the future.”
—ARD Spokesperson
The broadcaster added that it had no prior notification of the protest, and the police had not been informed. Berlin police reported no arrests but are reviewing the events for potential proceedings against the demonstrators.
Journalist Acknowledges Disruption
The interviewer, Markus Preiß, commented on Weidel‘s composure, noting, “I have to say: Alice Weidel was quite sporting, considering the volume.”
He also stated, “Everyone is allowed to demonstrate; that’s a good democratic right. But demonstrations are usually registered. And this one wasn’t.”
While Weidel attempted to downplay the disruption, labelling the choir a “tax-funded NGO”
and asserting her familiarity with protests, her frustration appeared to mount. She shared a link to the interview on social media, criticizing the circumstances under which the Tagesschau conducted the interview with the AfD.
Preiß and Weidel briefly discussed continuing the interview, ultimately agreeing to proceed. ARD faced considerable criticism for not relocating the interview to a more controlled studio environment. AfD supporters argued the broadcaster is responsible for ensuring equitable interview conditions for all political figures.
Debate Over Protest Impact
Conversely, some critics of the AfD suggested the protests inadvertently amplified the party’s visibility. The AfD became the leading opposition party in the German parliament following elections in February, doubling its support. According to the Bertelsmann Foundation’s 2023 report on political polarization in Germany, the AfD has seen a significant increase in its public profile and support base in recent years.
Reporters Without Borders advocated for taxing internet companies to establish a fund supporting public broadcasters facing increasing pressure from far-right parties. The organization’s director general, Thibaut Bruttin, drew parallels to former US President Donald Trump‘s actions against international broadcasting services, noting a similar trend against public media across Europe in countries like Hungary, Italy, and Slovakia.
