Palmer fails to identify a victor following the debate with the AfD leader.
In a recent debate between Tübingen's Mayor Boris Palmer and the AfD's state leader Markus Frohnmaier, strong protests accompanied the heated exchanges. Despite the unfavourable "framework conditions", such as a heated atmosphere, delay due to disruptions, lack of time at the end, and Palmer's own hoarseness, the debate provided many indications of how one could potentially defeat the AfD on the content field, according to Palmer.
Palmer expressed regret over not highlighting Frohnmaier's evasive maneuvers and retreat from right-wing extremist contents more clearly. He admits that he could have made it clearer that he does not simply believe everything and that it is in stark contradiction to other statements. However, Palmer believes he effectively countered the AfD during the debate segment on crime statistics.
The debate marked a significant moment as Palmer announced his intention to confront and expose the AfD, stating the need to challenge the party with arguments as it is the strongest party according to polls. He also expressed support for demonstrations against right-wing extremism and constitutional enemies in Tübingen, emphasizing a clear stance against the AfD's right-wing radicalism.
Interestingly, AfD politicians made fewer agitated interjections during the segment on crime statistics, according to Palmer. The number of criminal offenses in Tübingen was 6.3 million in the year 2000, and last year, it decreased to 5.5 million. The number of serious crimes such as murder and manslaughter remained the same as last year.
Palmer, in a post on his Facebook page, wrote that there was no clear winner in the debate with the AfD. He also criticized his own preparation for the debate, stating that he has unused material in his preparation folders.
Palmer, however, remains hopeful that defeating the AfD on content will be more successful in future debates. He believes that the discussion with political opponents is the main way to success, though he did not specify which political opponent he was referring to. He concluded by stating that whoever was not afraid to walk the streets 20 years ago, does not have to be afraid today.
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