Germany has seen widespread protests as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party prepares for next month’s elections.
Thousands demonstrated nationwide against the AfD’s rise. These protests precede February’s parliamentary elections, with the anti-immigrant AfD polling around 20%.
Saturday’s rallies, in cities like Berlin and Cologne, drew estimated crowds of 35,000 and 40,000 respectively. Videos online show large gatherings at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, featuring chants and banners opposing the AfD and declaring, “No human is illegal.”
These protests follow the AfD’s campaign launch in Halle earlier this week, attended by approximately 4,500 people. This event gained media attention due to a video address from Elon Musk, who voiced his “full support” for the AfD, advocating for the “preservation of German culture” and the “protection of the German people.” Musk has faced prior accusations of interfering in German affairs.
Parliamentary elections, set for February 23, were called following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government amidst disagreements over economic reforms, climate policy, and Ukraine aid.
The AfD currently holds 21% support, according to the INSA Institute, making it the second most popular party. The CDU holds 30%, while Scholz’s SPD trails with 16%.
The CDU recently indicated a willingness to adopt stricter anti-immigration policies “if the AfD supports our proposals,” a shift from its stance in the 2010s when it welcomed numerous asylum seekers.
This apparent change follows reports of violent crimes committed by migrants. A recent incident involved the arrest of a 28-year-old Afghan man following a fatal knife attack in Aschaffenburg that claimed two lives, including a two-year-old child.
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