Mass Protests in Germany Demand Ban on Far-Right AfD Party
Huge crowds of protesters have taken to the streets in Germany, demanding a ban on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Tens of thousands of people have braved freezing temperatures to express their opposition to the party, following revelations that senior AfD members discussed a plan to deport migrants en masse, drawing comparisons to the Nazi era. The protests have gained momentum, with significant turnouts in cities such as Frankfurt, Hanover, Stuttgard, Dortmund, and Nuremberg.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz welcomed the protests in a video message, stating that he tries to imagine how the millions of citizens with a history of migration feel about the deportation plans. Demonstrations against the AfD have already taken place in cities including Berlin, Leipzig, Rostock, Essen, and Cologne. Protesters gathered outside Berlin’s town hall, holding placards reading “Nazis out” and chanting slogans against far-right AfD politician Björn Höcke.
The mass protests were sparked by reports of a private meeting held by AfD members, neo-Nazis, and other far-right extremists at a lakeside hotel near Potsdam on November 25. The meeting, which was revealed by investigative journalism network Correctiv on January 10, uncovered discussions about a “master plan” for mass deportations. Correctiv described the events as a dystopian drama that exposed what can happen when right-wing extremists and AfD representatives come together.
While the AfD denies that such plans are part of their policy and distances itself from the gathering, one AfD representative openly supported the idea of a mass deportation plan. René Springer stated that foreigners would be returned to their homeland millions of times to ensure security, justice, and preserve Germany’s identity. However, many have drawn parallels between the mass deportation plan and the dark chapter of German history during the Nazi era, where millions were forcibly transported to concentration, forced labor, and extermination camps.
The protests have evoked strong emotions among the German population, with many expressing their concerns about the rise of right-wing extremism and neo-Nazi networks in the country. Rika von Gierke, a spokesperson and activist, emphasized that the AfD’s plans bring back terrible memories and called for a stand against anti-democratic forces. Kazin Abaci, a protest organizer, highlighted the importance of sending a strong signal from society to defend democracy and the state.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock joined the rallies in Potsdam, demonstrating their support for democracy and opposition to fascism. However, outlawing the AfD could prove challenging and potentially backfire. German politicians have discussed the possibility of calling on the constitutional court to ban the party, as the German constitution deems parties that seek to undermine the “free democratic basic order” unconstitutional. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck cautioned that any attempt to ban the AfD must be carefully considered to avoid causing massive damage.
The public displays of backlash against the AfD are seen as crucial, especially as the party has been polling at record-high levels and is expected to make significant gains in regional elections this year. According to a recent survey by Forsa, the AfD is currently polling above 30% in the eastern states of Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg, surpassing its rivals.
The mass protests in Germany reflect a growing concern over the rise of far-right extremism and a desire to defend democracy and oppose anti-democratic forces. The demonstrations serve as a reminder of Germany’s history and the importance of standing up against ideologies that threaten the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.
