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Olaf Scholz in Neuruppin: Left and AfD called for counter-demos
Photo: Carsten Koall / dpa
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) encountered loud counter-demonstrators at an event in Neuruppin, Brandenburg.
Scholz made his appearance on Wednesday evening on the city's school square, although he could hardly be understood given the whistles and the chants.
The police did not initially name the number of participants.
According to a police spokeswoman, there was a complaint of resistance because a person did not want to leave the cordoned off area.
Personal details have been identified.
Violations of the assembly law would be examined.
In the past few days, there had been speculation about the possibility of mass protests against government policies in the fall.
Right-wing extremists want to mobilize their supporters for a German winter of anger, and the left also wants to organize demonstrations.
In Neuruppin, both the left and the AfD had called for counter-demonstrations.
But there was no question of masses there - an estimated 300 protesters came to the edge of the closed-off event area.
Most seemed to be AfD supporters.
They shouted "traitor to the people", "liar" and "get away".
Scholz addressed the noise over a loudspeaker system and reiterated the announcement that another package to relieve citizens of inflation and high energy costs would be presented in the next few days.
The previous decisions of the traffic light coalition brought the citizens 30 billion euros, and not all of it had arrived, said Scholz.
But it is clear: “More has to happen.” The government will decide on this “in the next few days”.
When asked by a sixth grader, Scholz agreed that despite the lack of gas, school operations would be secured in winter, including activities in gyms.
"I'm pretty confident that we can manage it." The Chancellor defended the gas levy that will apply from October.
Scholz is worried about the situation at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant
Scholz also justified the government's actions after the Russian attack on Ukraine.
He also expressed "serious concern" about the situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.
The federal government will continue to work towards averting a dramatic situation on the ground.
It is "a very, very dangerous development that can take place there," said Scholz.
The largest nuclear power plant in Europe is occupied by Russian troops and has been shelled several times in recent days.
Ukraine and Russia blame each other for this.
hba/dpa