Quote from Alex bobby on January 26, 2025, 1:14 PM

A United Front Against Far-Right Extremism: Protests Erupt Across Germany as AfD Launches Election Campaign

On Saturday, thousands of people across Germany took to the streets in a powerful display of resistance against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The protests coincided with the party’s election campaign launch in Halle, a central German city, ahead of the country’s general election scheduled for February 23.

This wave of demonstrations reflects growing unease over the rise of the AfD, a party that has gained traction with its anti-immigrant rhetoric and hardline policies.

A "Sea of Light" in Berlin

One of the largest demonstrations took place in Berlin, where protesters gathered at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Participants lit up their phones, blew whistles, and sang anti-fascist songs, transforming the capital into a beacon of resistance. Environmental activists from the Fridays for Future movement played a significant role, dubbing the rally the “sea of light against the right turn.”

“We want to send a clear signal,” said one protester. “Germany stands for tolerance, democracy, and diversity—not for intolerance and division.”

Cologne's Outcry Against Extremism

In Cologne, a city known for its vibrant culture and liberal values, over 15,000 people marched through the streets. Protesters carried banners denouncing the AfD’s growing influence and the rise of right-wing extremism.

One demonstrator, Thomas Schneemann, emphasised the importance of unity:
“Especially after yesterday and what we heard from Friedrich Merz, we have to stand together to fight the far right.”

Britta Straschewski, a teacher from Cologne, echoed this sentiment, highlighting her concern over the AfD’s rising support.
“We see a party that so far gets 20% of votes and might get more, and this party openly displays racist, discriminatory, and intolerant attitudes,” Straschewski said. “It’s crucial to set a signal for a tolerant and active democracy.”

A Polarised Political Climate

The protests occurred amid a tense political atmosphere. Germany’s centre-right opposition bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, currently leads in pre-election polls, with the AfD trailing in second place.

Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has proposed tougher migration policies, including barring entry to individuals without proper papers and increasing deportations. These positions have sparked criticism, particularly as they risk aligning with AfD’s hardline stance.

Merz’s remarks came after a knife attack in Aschaffenburg by a rejected asylum seeker that claimed the lives of a man and a two-year-old boy. The tragedy has heightened public debate over immigration and security policies, spilling into the election campaign.

AfD’s Campaign Kickoff in Halle

While protests unfolded across Germany, AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla addressed approximately 4,500 supporters in Halle. Weidel, the party’s candidate for chancellor, received a notable endorsement from Elon Musk, who addressed the rally remotely.

Despite the show of support, Weidel’s chances of leading Germany remain slim, as mainstream political parties have firmly ruled out working with the AfD.

The Federal Statistical Office reports that approximately 59.2 million Germans are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. While the AfD’s polling numbers hover around 20%, its path to power remains blocked by widespread political isolation.

The Broader Significance of the Protests

Saturday’s protests weren’t solely aimed at the AfD. Activists also sought to draw attention to global political shifts, including the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and broader challenges to democratic values worldwide.

Fridays for Future activists, known for their environmental advocacy, underscored the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and political justice. “Fighting for the planet and fighting against extremism are two sides of the same coin,” one activist explained.

A Pivotal Moment for Germany

The widespread demonstrations against the AfD underscore the stakes of Germany’s upcoming election. As the far-right gains traction, many Germans are mobilising to defend the country’s democratic principles and its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Protesters like Britta Straschewski and Thomas Schneemann serve as reminders of the importance of collective action in challenging extremism. For many, the fight isn’t just about an election—it’s about the soul of the nation.

As Germany approaches February 23, the protests send a clear message: millions are ready to stand against division and intolerance, championing a vision of democracy rooted in unity, respect, and human dignity.