Protests Disrupt ARD Summer Interview with Söder

During a recent ARD summer interview held in Berlin's government district, a significant police intervention occurred due to protests by a group of individuals attempting to demonstrate against the CSU party leader, Markus Söder. These disturbances were reported to have involved 20 to 30 protesters identified as belonging to right-wing factions, as confirmed by a police spokesperson.

The incident took place shortly after the interview concluded, with both the ARD network and Söder's team asserting that the recording of the interview proceeded without disturbances. This event follows a previous incident on July 20, during a live-streamed interview with Alice Weidel, the leader of the AfD party, which was notably disrupted by loud protests that were captured during the broadcast.

This recent disruption occurred at approximately 12:35 PM, with protesters reportedly throwing flyers. Fortunately, law enforcement was already present, enabling a swift response that led to the temporary detention of five individuals, while the remaining protesters managed to escape. The right-wing group, known as the Identitarian Movement, later claimed responsibility for the protest and disseminated footage of the event on social media.

The ARD summer interviews are typically recorded on the terrace of the Marie-Elisabeth-Lüders-Haus, a prominent building within the Bundestag. The earlier protest during Weidel's interview was orchestrated by political art activists from the Center for Political Beauty, who had not registered their demonstration with authorities. Police had to intervene to terminate this unauthorized event.

In response to the recent disruptions, the ARD has intensified its security measures and has established close collaboration with relevant security agencies. The organization has implemented both technical and editorial strategies to ensure that future interviews can be conducted without interruptions.