Flag dispute at Bützow train station: provocation or freedom of expression?

Flag dispute at Bützow train station: provocation or freedom of expression?

In the small town of Bützow, where the winds are often cool and tempers are heated, a new sight is causing great excitement: two flag-bearing banners have been flying on the historic train station building since the beginning of June 2025 - a German flag and an AfD flag. A little surprising, one could say, that this is causing heated discussions, because the train station, which has been privately owned by Poppe Gerken since August 29, 2014, is not just any building, but a symbol of community and openness.

Deutsche Bahn, which no longer owns the station, has already distanced itself from this political statement and assured that the flags are not in the interests of the company. A video published by the AfD is particularly exciting. In it, a member stands on the roof of the train station and claims that Bützow has now been “conquered” - a provocative statement that unsettles many citizens and makes them think.

The owner and his perspective

In an interview with Nordkurier, Gerken made it clear that the flags will definitely stay. He sees no reason to take it off and feels unfairly treated by those around him. He has already received four notices of termination, including from his bank and his tax office. Nevertheless, he is undeterred and emphasizes that the AfD is a legally elected party. “I didn’t do anything criminal,” said Gerken, who has not experienced any verbal hostility so far. There are mixed opinions about him on social networks, but the criticism is limited.

Another point that should not go unnoticed: Talks are already underway between Gerken and the AfD about the sale of the train station building, which he sees as a “central location” for the party. This makes the political explosiveness of the flags even clearer, because Bützow's mayor Christian Grüschow, who is clearly against political appropriation, sees the train station as a place of encounter and openness.

Political communication and media presence of the AfD

However, the reaction to the flags is also an example of the AfD's special type of communication. This party has an ambivalent relationship with traditional media and often accuses them of treating them unfairly. On her way to media attention, she uses provocative slogans and breaking taboos that often interfere with public discussion. This is also reflected in the strategy, which follows a recurring pattern of provocation and withdrawal. The AfD presents its issues very specifically and works with a growing right-wing media landscape, which means that debates about social issues often appear hardened and distorted.

Bützow is not only symbolic of a tourist highlight, but also of a city at the center of political disputes, where tradition and new political trends meet. At a time when social tensions are increasing, this shows how local political decisions can have far-reaching effects. The upcoming developments around the station building promise that this discussion is far from over. We just have to wait and see how the situation develops.

The outcome of this political game remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it won't be boring in Bützow.

For further information you can read the articles from Uckermark Kurier, [NDR]. Foundation](https://www.amadeu-antonio-stiftung.de/rechtsextremismus-rechtspopulismus/dossier-10-jahre-afd-eine-moderne-rechtsextreme-partei/die-afd-und-die-oeffentlichkeit/) read.