Dortmund, Germany – A planned appearance by Björn Höcke, a leading figure in the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, sparked widespread protests in Dortmund on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with over 3,300 people taking to the streets to demonstrate against his presence. The protests underscore growing concerns about the rising influence of the AfD and its controversial rhetoric within German society. The event, a New Year’s reception hosted by the AfD faction in Dortmund’s city hall, drew condemnation from local officials and mobilized a significant public response.
Höcke, who leads the AfD in the eastern German state of Thuringia, has repeatedly been accused of employing illegal Nazi rhetoric and has been convicted twice for such offenses. A German court in 2019 ruled that he could legally be described as a “fascist,” a designation reflecting the deeply controversial nature of his political views and statements. His visit to Dortmund, and a subsequent planned appearance in Düsseldorf on Monday, have ignited a wave of opposition from anti-fascist groups and concerned citizens.
Protests Exceed Expectations, Mayor Joins Demonstrators
The scale of the protests in Dortmund far exceeded initial expectations. Police had anticipated around 600 participants, but the actual turnout swelled to over 3,300, demonstrating the strength of opposition to Höcke and the AfD’s ideology. Dortmund Mayor Alexander Kalouti of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) publicly opposed Höcke’s visit and joined the protesters outside the city hall, stating, “For me, it was clear that I didn’t wish this man in my town hall.” Deutsche Welle reported on the mayor’s strong stance against the event.
The AfD holds 18 seats on the Dortmund city council, tying with the Green party, but remains smaller than the CDU (23 seats) and the Social Democrats (SPD) who hold 26 seats. Despite being a minority party, the AfD’s presence and the controversy surrounding figures like Höcke continue to fuel political debate and public unrest.
Legal Battles and Attempts to Ban Höcke’s Appearance
Prior to Höcke’s appearance, Mayor Kalouti attempted to ban him from speaking at the event, arguing that it would transform the reception into a partisan political gathering, which is not permitted within the city hall. Though, his attempt was overturned by a court in Gelsenkirchen, which ruled in favor of allowing Höcke to proceed with his speech. The city of Dortmund subsequently filed an appeal with the Higher Administrative Court of Münster, but the court did not address the case over the weekend, effectively upholding the lower court’s decision. Der Westen detailed the legal challenges surrounding the event.
Höcke’s Broader Tour of North Rhine-Westphalia and Strategic Goals
Höcke’s visit to Dortmund is part of a broader tour of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), a state where the AfD has traditionally been considered relatively moderate. However, observers believe that Höcke’s presence is a deliberate attempt to influence the internal power dynamics within the AfD’s NRW branch, potentially shifting the party further to the right. According to reports, Höcke is seeking to consolidate his influence over the regional party structure.
Before arriving in Dortmund, Höcke visited the Externsteine rock formation in the Teutoburg Forest, a site with historical significance in German nationalism and, more recently, a gathering place for far-right groups. A planned visit to the Hermann Monument in Detmold was disrupted by approximately 350 protesters who gathered at the site in anticipation of his arrival, demonstrating the widespread opposition to his political agenda. Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on the protests at the Externsteine.
Escalating Tensions and Anticipated Protests in Düsseldorf
The situation in Dortmund highlights the escalating tensions surrounding the AfD and its leadership. The party’s rhetoric and policies have been widely criticized as xenophobic, anti-immigrant, and revisionist regarding German history. The strong public reaction to Höcke’s visit underscores the deep divisions within German society and the growing concerns about the normalization of far-right ideologies.
Looking ahead, a significantly larger demonstration is expected in Düsseldorf on Monday, February 23, 2026, where Höcke is scheduled to appear. An antifascist alliance has registered a protest with police, anticipating over 5,000 participants. Authorities are bracing for potential clashes between protesters and AfD supporters, and are preparing to deploy significant security measures to maintain order. Zeit Online reported that authorities are preparing for a large demonstration in Düsseldorf.
AfD’s Increasing Influence and the Response
The AfD has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, capitalizing on anxieties about immigration, economic inequality, and national identity. The party’s success has prompted a broad coalition of civil society groups, political parties, and concerned citizens to mobilize in opposition, organizing protests, educational campaigns, and advocacy efforts to counter the AfD’s narrative and promote inclusive values.
The Thuringian AfD, led by Björn Höcke, is currently under surveillance by the state’s domestic intelligence agency, which has classified the party as “right-wing extremist.” This designation reflects concerns about the party’s ideological orientation and its potential threat to Germany’s democratic institutions. The AfD has consistently denied these accusations, claiming that it is being unfairly targeted by the political establishment.
During the event in Dortmund, Höcke reportedly received a standing ovation and was greeted with enthusiastic cheers from attendees. Videos circulating online show supporters celebrating his presence and expressing their support for the AfD’s policies. This display of support underscores the party’s growing base of loyal followers and its ability to mobilize its supporters despite widespread opposition.
The events in Dortmund and Düsseldorf are likely to further intensify the debate surrounding the AfD and its role in German politics. The protests demonstrate the strong public opposition to the party’s ideology, but too highlight the challenges of countering its appeal and addressing the underlying anxieties that fuel its support. The coming days will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds and what impact it will have on the broader political landscape.
The next significant development will be Höcke’s appearance in Düsseldorf on Monday, February 23, and the anticipated large-scale protest. Authorities are preparing for a potentially volatile situation, and the outcome could have significant implications for the AfD’s future strategy and its ability to gain further traction in NRW and beyond.
What are your thoughts on the protests and the AfD’s growing influence? Share your comments below and let us know what you think. Don’t forget to share this article with your network to keep the conversation going.