Kaffkiez draws 1,000 to free Rosenheim concert after AfD criticism

About 1,000 people attended a free concert by Rosenheim band Kaffkiez in the city centre on Friday in response to criticism from the local AfD chapter, BR reported.

The 45 minute concert took place at Max-Josefs-Platz in Rosenheim’s pedestrian zone. Police said there were no incidents and described the atmosphere as good.

Kaffkiez performed for donations and said it would give the proceeds to the Rosenheim City Youth Council.

AfD criticises planned culture award

The concert followed criticism of the band’s planned receipt of Rosenheim’s 2,500 euro culture development award in October. The AfD group on the city council opposed the award in the culture committee.

In a statement, the Rosenheim AfD said it was responding to what it called the band’s increasingly aggressive political stance. The party said this was incompatible with the unifying purpose intended for a city award.

The AfD also criticised Kaffkiez for previously calling on people to take action against the political right. It described the award as a bow to politically correct trends and an affront to citizens with different political views.

Rosenheim Mayor Abuzar Erdogan of the Social Democratic Party rejected the criticism in comments to local media, referring to artistic and freedom of expression rights.

Kaffkiez said on Instagram that it considered itself responsible for speaking out against right wing extremism.