Germany Against the Far-Right: Tens of thousands protest against AfD

Masses in Germany unite in protest against the far-right AfD party, sparked by a meeting where AfD members discussed plans for mass deportations

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered across Germany on Sunday to express their strong opposition to the far-right AfD party. The demonstrations were sparked by revelations of a meeting where AfD members discussed mass deportation plans with extremists.

In Munich, the influx of demonstrators was so substantial that organizers were compelled to cancel a planned march, urging people to disperse for safety reasons. Despite initial estimates, organizers reported that around 50,000 people attended the demonstration—twice the registered number.

An earlier estimate, communicated to the crowd, had suggested a figure of 200,000, while police settled on an estimate of around 100,000, according to the German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

The protesters at the site carried signs with messages such as “Nazis out” and “never again is now.” Similar demonstrations had already taken place in various cities on Saturday, with an estimated 250,000 people participating, according to ARD estimates.

The wave of mobilization against the far-right party was triggered by a January 10 report by investigative outlet Correctiv. The report exposed AfD members discussing the expulsion of immigrants and “non-assimilated citizens” in a meeting with extremists.

Martin Sellner, a leader of Austria’s Identitarian Movement, known for promoting the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, participated in the talks. This theory alleges a plot by non-white migrants to replace Europe’s “native” white population.

The revelation caused significant concern in Germany, particularly as the AfD is gaining traction in opinion polls, just months ahead of three major regional elections in eastern Germany where their support is strongest.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who joined a demonstration last weekend, strongly condemned any plan to expel immigrants or citizens, characterizing it as “an attack against our democracy.” He urged citizens to stand up for cohesion, tolerance, and democratic values.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser likened the far-right meeting to “the horrible Wannsee conference,” where the Nazis planned the extermination of European Jews in 1942.

Protests against the far-right have drawn widespread support, with estimates of 70,000 people in Cologne and 45,000 in Bremen participating in demonstrations. Politicians, church leaders, and Bundesliga football managers have called on people to stand against the far right.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated that the protests against the far right could “restore trust in democratic conduct.” Josef Schuster, the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, emphasized the significance of the protests in countering the “huge uncertainty” felt by Jews in the country due to a recent wave of anti-Semitic incidents.

The protests, which began last weekend in Berlin and Potsdam, where the controversial meeting occurred, have gained momentum. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised the protestors, stating that they “give us all courage” and defend the republic and constitution against its enemies.

Source: AFP