Mass Protests Sweep Germany Against Far-Right AfD Party

BERLIN: This weekend saw hundreds of thousands of Germans taking to the streets in various cities to protest against the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The demonstrations surged after reports of a meeting among right-wing extremists discussing migration policies, including mass deportations, surfaced in Potsdam.

The AfD, currently the second-highest in national polls, denies endorsing such migration plans. Sunday’s rallies in Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Leipzig, and Dresden drew unexpectedly high turnouts, leading to an early end in Munich due to overcrowding. Organizers claimed 200,000 attendees, while police noted around 100,000.

On Saturday, an estimated 300,000 people demonstrated nationwide. Protesters expressed their determination not to let such ideas go unchallenged, emphasizing the significance of the public’s united stand.

Frankfurt’s Lord Mayor, Mike Josef, addressed crowds, recalling the historic significance of Roemer Square, where Nazis once burned books. Business leaders, including Siemens Energy’s Joe Kaeser, voiced concerns, stating that the reports triggered “bitter memories.”

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier saw the widespread rallies against right-wing extremism as a robust show of opposition. In a video message, he commended the demonstrators, calling for a united alliance of democrats to combat misanthropy and extremism.

German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck viewed the protests as an encouraging sign for democracy, emphasizing the strength of people coming together. The Central Council of Jews in Germany welcomed the demonstrations, expressing hope for restored confidence in the country’s democratic principles.

Companies listed in Germany’s DAX stock market index also spoke out against xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and right-wing extremism, as reported by Germany’s Boersen-Zeitung. The diverse voices across Germany, including political leaders, business figures, and citizens, are uniting to send a powerful message against the rising influence of the far-right AfD party, emphasizing the importance of standing together in defense of democratic values.

And this is Cologne also witnessing large turnout in organized protests against far-right AfD party. Around 100 cities in Germany protesting since Friday pic.twitter.com/lQTXRnl5Z6

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) January 21, 2024