Protests against Far-Right Rise in Germany Ahead of Elections

Thousands of Germans took to the streets on Saturday to protest the growing influence of the far-right, particularly the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, ahead of the general election set for February 23. Demonstrations took place in Berlin and other cities, where participants voiced their opposition to the AfD's agenda. In Berlin, at the Brandenburg Gate, protesters lit their phones, blew whistles, and sang anti-fascist songs, while in Cologne, many held banners denouncing the far-right movement.

Germany’s center-right opposition bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, currently leads in pre-election polls, with the AfD in second place. Merz has indicated that his party will push for stricter migration policies, a significant issue in the upcoming elections. However, his proposal to toughen migration laws has raised concerns, particularly if the AfD supports these motions.

Merz has previously suggested that, if elected, his government would bar individuals from entering Germany without proper documentation and enhance deportation efforts. These remarks followed a tragic knife attack in Aschaffenburg, allegedly carried out by an asylum-seeker, which has added fuel to the political debate.

The protest in Berlin was dubbed a “sea of light against the right turn” by activists, including Fridays for Future. Their aim was to draw attention to the shifting political climate and the influence of international figures, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, ahead of Germany’s election.

Thomas Schneemann, a protester in Cologne, emphasized the importance of unity in opposing the far-right, particularly after the controversial statements made by Merz. He stressed the need for solidarity in confronting the rising far-right threat.

The protests coincided with the AfD’s election campaign launch in Halle, where party leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla addressed a crowd of about 4,500 people. Weidel, who has received support from international figures like Elon Musk, remains a controversial figure in German politics. Despite her backing, she is unlikely to become the country’s leader, as other political parties refuse to cooperate with the AfD.