The AfD party sets up a Christmas tree in the regional parliament - the administration removes the spruce tree
An unusual conflict erupted in the Düsseldorf state parliament after the administration removed the Christmas tree set up by the AfD party in the public hall. Authorities stated that the reason was to protect the wooden flooring.
The AfD party claims that the removal was politically motivated. The party planned an event titled "Christmas Under Terrorism," and they registered a Christmas tree as part of the decorations. Despite the verbal ban, the tree was erected anyway.
Christian Lutz, the head of the AfD parliamentary group, said that when the administration requested the removal of the tree and it did not happen immediately, the staff removed it themselves. He believes that the party's symbol was deliberately targeted.
The Parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia presented a different perspective, stating that no structures or plants are allowed during events in the public hall to avoid damaging the flooring. Instead, the tree was moved near the entrance of the hall, where it remained visible for display.
The parliament building still displays several festive trees. The parliament itself has set up two decorated trees, and the parliamentary groups have adorned their areas, while there is also a lit tree in front of the building, indicating that the AfD party tree was not the only festive decoration.