Afd's Schult: 'We Have Come to Govern' at Election Campaign Launch

At a campaign event in Grimmen, the AfD in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania accused state premier Manuela Schwesig of personality cult and lies. We have come to govern, said Enrico Schult, the AfD parliamentary group leader and top candidate, adding that a fresh start was needed. Outside the venue, a verbal confrontation broke out between AfD supporters and around 150 counter-demonstrators, who also staged a whistle concert.

A strong police presence separated the two groups. The AfD event, attended by roughly 400 invited guests, was also scheduled to feature party co-leaders Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel. Weidel cancelled her appearance shortly before the event began.

State elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are set for September 20. According to an Insa poll from mid-August, the AfD leads with 36 percent, ahead of the SPD at 29 percent and the Left at 11 percent. The CDU (10 percent) and the Greens (5 percent) would also enter the state parliament, the poll found. "Wir sind gekommen, um zu regieren, Schult said, meaning "We have come to govern.