Criticism of Thomas Kemmerich for Corona protest

The Thuringian FDP chief Thomas Kemmerich takes part in a corona protest and draws criticism - also from the ranks of the FDP.

• The Thuringian FDP boss Thomas Kemmerich takes part in a walk against Corona * requirements in Gera
• Criticism of Thomas Kemmerich comes from the FDP - right up to the request to resign
• FDP party leader Christian Lindner is also criticizing Twitter

The Thuringian FDP chief Thomas Kemmerich has come under criticism for participating in a so-called walk against excessive corona requirements in Gera . Kemmerich tweeted on Saturday about his participation, it was about "proportionality and a corona exit with measure and middle". Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow , on the other hand, wrote about a photo that Kemmerich showed in the protest march: "Keep your distance or cover your mouth? - Nothing! Exemplary function? - Nothing!" There was also fierce criticism from within the party.

Today I attended an event in #Gera. For proportionality and a # corona exit with measure and middle. The organizer was Peter Schmidt, entrepreneur and member of the #CDU #Wirtschaftsrat. There were two speakers: the notifying entrepreneur and me. #NoAfD pic.twitter.com/XcJ432YdbN

The demonstration was organized by a member of the local CDU economic council. Hundreds of people took part, the entrepreneur and Kemmerich gave speeches. According to the Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, AfD representatives also took part in the rally.

Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) takes part in Corona protest - politicians criticize

Kemmerich added a "NoAfD" to his tweet, but Ramelow called the behavior "ashamed". "I no longer feel like justifying myself for Kemmerich - he is either completely resistant to learning or has a problem with the delimitation of rights - neither is possible in his position," he wrote.

From the FDP came criticism to the point of leaving. Party leader Christian Lindner wrote on Twitter: "Anyone who campaigns for civil rights and an intelligent opening strategy does not demonstrate with obscure circles and does not renounce distance and protection." He had "no understanding" for this.

Criticism of Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) for corona protest

FDP General Secretary Linda Teuteberg made a similar statement. According to Sunday's advance announcement, she told the editorial network Germany: "To keep away from destructive opponents of liberal democracy was correct before Corona and remains so for my FDP."

Tweet from Bodo Ramelow to Thomas Kemmerich

Participation in the protest was Kemmerich's personal decision, said Teuteberg. As such, it was also "to be explained by him personally". "In any case, the Federal FDP does not call for participation in such demonstrations," said the Secretary General.

The head of the young liberals, Ria Schröder, wrote on Twitter: "Corona demands a lot from us all, but those who deliberately disregard hygiene measures and line up with right-wing extremists are not at the center, but endanger us all and undermine the constructive work" of the FDP .

Criticism of Thomas Kemmerich (FDP)

The local political spokeswoman for the FDP parliamentary group, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, tweeted: "Being liberal does not mean being against something in principle, especially when it protects people." In Thuringia and Saxony , there were many Corona protests declared as walks on Saturday .

Strack-Zimmermann told the "Tagesspiegel" from Berlin on Monday that Kemmerich was "not only physically close to the AfD and conspiracy theorists, but apparently also shared their democratic corruption course". "He would do well to leave the FDP," she added.

Thomas Kemmerich (FDP) admits mistakes in corona protest

In the meantime, Thomas Kemmerich admitted that he behaved incorrectly during the Corona rally. It was a mistake that he temporarily did not comply with the distance rules and did not wear a face mask, said the chairman of the FDP parliamentary group in the Thuringian state parliament on Sunday. Before starting a so-called walk, he made sure that these hygiene regulations were observed. He then failed to do so, as several photos show. "I can only apologize for that," said Kemmerich.

At the same time, he said it was never his intention to offer a platform with the rally of the AfD or conspiracy theorists. But he realizes that he did just that.

In early February, Kemmerich was elected prime minister by the CDU and AfD in the Thuringian state parliament, which triggered a wave of outrage. He resigned shortly afterwards *. At the beginning of March, Ramelow was re-elected head of government *. Since then he has led a red-red-green minority government. (afp / dpa)