Hundreds of thousands demonstrate against right-wing extremism in Germany

Protests against the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party continue across Germany, drawing hundreds of thousands of people to the streets. The protests were sparked by reports of a meeting of right-wing extremists discussing migration policies, including mass deportations of people of foreign origin, in Potsdam.

The AfD, which is currently polling second in nationwide surveys, has denied that the reported migration plans are party policy. The turnouts at the protests have significantly exceeded expectations, with rallies being held in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Cologne, as well as in traditional AfD voting strongholds in eastern Germany such as Leipzig and Dresden.

Organisers in Munich had to end the demonstration early due to overcrowding, with around 100,000 participants, according to police. However, protest organisers claimed that 200,000 people attended. In Berlin, the demonstration began with 30,000 people and the number continued to grow, according to police.

Demonstrations were also held in Cologne and Bremen, with event organisers estimating that around 300,000 people participated nationwide on Saturday. Protestors, including social counsellor Steffi Kirschenmann, convened in Frankfurt to voice their resistance to the right-wing movement.

The Lord Mayor of Frankfurt, Mike Josef, addressed the crowds on Roemer Square, drawing attention to the historical significance of the location as the same spot where the Nazi regime had burned books. The AfD declined to comment on the demonstrations against them. Business leaders, including Siemens Energy supervisory board chairman Joe Kaeser, expressed concerns over the reported migration plans, saying they trigger “bitter memories.”

President Frank-Walter Steinmeier saw the rallies as a sign of strength against right-wing extremism. In a video message, Steinmeier said, “You are standing up against misanthropy and right-wing extremism, these people encourage us all.” He called for an alliance of democrats to show strength in unity. German Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck also commended the demonstrations as an encouraging sign for democracy.

The Central Council of Jews in Germany welcomed the protests, as Central Council President Josef Schuster told Welt-TV that it can restore confidence in the democratic conditions of the country. Germany’s Boersen-Zeitung published statements from companies listed in Germany’s DAX stock market index speaking out against xenophobia, anti-semitism, and political extremism on the right-wing fringe.

These protests indicate a strong resistance to the right-wing movement in Germany and have drawn support from various political leaders and organisations. Emma-Victoria Farr and Holger Hansen reporting, edited by Angus MacSwan.