Freedom and Tolerance Are Not Negotiable
According to information from AfD sympathizer circles, the party has submitted a list for the municipal election in fall 2026 on Norderney. This marks the first time the party is running in the island’s municipal election. In the last federal election, the AfD already achieved nearly eleven percent on Norderney. Additionally, the AfD has nominated Ms. Anette Pohl as its candidate for the mayoral election.
For the Liberals on Norderney, this represents the third alarming development in a short period. The FDP Norderney states unequivocally: There will be no cooperation with the AfD—neither directly nor indirectly, neither before nor after the election. The values that the Free Democrats stand for are fundamentally incompatible with those of the AfD.
“Individual freedom is not negotiable for us,” explains Hans Vollmer, Chairman of the FDP Norderney. “This includes human dignity, which is inviolable for us—as enshrined in the Basic Law. Every person should be free to live their gender, sexual orientation, religion, and lifestyle. These are liberal core values. Especially on Norderney, we know how valuable a diverse, tolerant, and international island community is. We cherish this diversity, we integrate it into our communal life, and we will protect it. Exclusion and forced repatriation have no place here. That is precisely why we will oppose the AfD wherever possible.”
Manfred Hahnen, Parliamentary Group Leader of the FDP Norderney, adds: “Cooperation with the AfD is out of the question for us in any form. We deeply reject the values of this party and expect that the council elected in fall will follow our example.”
The FDP Norderney reaffirms that it will continue to clearly and consistently distance itself from the AfD.
The FDP Norderney expressly supports the “Stand Up and Be Counted” initiative, which plans to create a human formation on the beach on July 11, 2026, spelling out “Ney Stays Diverse.” The Free Democrats call on all Norderney residents and island visitors to participate in this action and together set a visible sign for diversity, tolerance, and a cosmopolitan Norderney.