Massive Protests Erupt in Germany Against Far-Right Engagement Ahead of Elections
Fresh protests against the extreme right drew massive crowds in Germany on Saturday, February 8, with authorities reporting over 200,000 participants in Munich alone. These rallies followed an estimated 160,000 demonstrators marching in Berlin the previous weekend, all voicing their opposition to the growing connections between mainstream conservative parties and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), just two weeks shy of crucial elections.
The Munich event, titled "Munich is Multicolor," was originally estimated by police to draw around 100,000 people; however, that number skyrocketed shortly after the demonstration commenced. With legislative elections approaching on February 23, the message was clear: "democracy needs you." This slogan positioned the protesters against any political party cooperating with the AfD, a sentiment underscored by Germany's historical reluctance to engage with far-right politics post-World War II.
Protesters expressed their anger and disapproval towards the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the leading party in the upcoming elections, accusing them of violating a long-standing political 'firewall' against collaborating with the AfD. The CDU's attempts to secure support from the AfD for an anti-immigration bill have sparked outrage among many citizens, who fear it undermines decades of democratic values in Germany.
Organizers of the Munich demonstration claimed a turnout of about 320,000, aiming to send a strong signal in support of diversity, human dignity, social cohesion, and democracy. Attendees filled the city’s celebrated Theresienwiese park, carrying placards denouncing CDU leader Friedrich Merz with powerful messages such as, "Shame on you!"
In addition to the Munich rally, another significant protest took place in Hanover, drawing approximately 24,000 individuals, according to police estimates. While the CDU has publicly ruled out any coalition with the AfD, which has been gaining traction and is currently polling second among voters, the protests reflect a deep-seated concern within the German populace regarding the normalization of far-right ideologies within mainstream politics.
As the debates intensify and the election date approaches, the German public remains vocal about its commitment to preserving democratic values and standing firm against the echoes of the past.
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