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The Rise of Protests Against the AfD in Germany
In recent weeks, Germany has witnessed a surge in protests against the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, particularly as the country approaches the federal elections scheduled for February 23. These demonstrations have gained momentum nationwide, with the largest taking place at Theresienwiese in Munich, a site historically known for hosting Oktoberfest. According to police estimates, approximately 200,000 people gathered at the event, while organizers claimed the turnout was closer to 320,000. The protest was marked by a strong anti-AfD sentiment, with participants holding banners that read, "Racism and hatred are not an alternative." The event garnered widespread support from various groups, including activists, the Munich Film Festival, local churches, and football clubs such as FC Bayern and TSV 1860. The police reported that the protest took place peacefully, a testament to the organized and unified stance of the demonstrators.
Similar protests were also held in other major cities, including Hanover, Rostock, and Berlin, where tens of thousands of people gathered to voice their opposition to the AfD and other far-right ideologies. In Berlin alone, a protest last week drew around 160,000 people, while another gathering last month at the iconic Brandenburg Gate saw a massive crowd singing anti-fascist songs and holding banners denouncing the AfD. These events highlight the growing concern among Germans about the resurgence of far-right nationalism, not only in their country but also across Europe and in the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump.
A Holocaust Survivor’s Powerful Protest
Among the participants in these protests is a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor named Albrecht Weinberg, who joined a demonstration in Leer. Weinberg’s presence was particularly symbolic, as he has lived through some of the darkest chapters of German history, including the Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps. His decision to protest came after he threatened to return a prestigious national honor, the Order of Merit, in response to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz’s openness to collaborating with the AfD on immigration policies. Weinberg expressed his disbelief at the resurgence of far-right ideologies in Germany, stating, "That this can still happen to me at almost a hundred years is incredible." His participation served as a poignant reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of standing against it.
Weinberg’s story resonates deeply in a country still grappling with the legacy of the Holocaust. His involvement in the protests underscores the urgency felt by many Germans to prevent the normalization of far-right politics. Weinberg, who returned to Germany from the United States in 2012, has become a powerful symbol of resistance against the AfD and its ideology. His presence at the protests has inspired many, reminding them of the historical stakes involved in the current political climate.
The Political Landscape and the AfD’s Rise
The AfD, founded in 2013, entered the German federal parliament in 2017 by capitalizing on widespread discontent over Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 2015 decision to allow over a million migrants into the country. The party has since positioned itself as a vocal opponent of immigration and multiculturalism, advocating for a return to a more insular, nationalist identity. While the AfD has gained significant traction, particularly in eastern Germany, its rhetoric has been met with fierce opposition from progressive groups, activists, and many political parties.
The recent protests have also targeted Friedrich Merz, the leader of the center-right CDU, who has faced criticism for his party’s stance on immigration. Merz’s CDU proposed new immigration rules last month, which were supported by the AfD, breaking an unofficial pact among democratic parties to never collaborate with far-right nationalists in parliament. Critics argue that this move has legitimized the AfD and undermined efforts to marginalize the party. Merz has denied any collaboration with the AfD, but the controversy has deepened divisions within his party and fueled broader concerns about the mainstreaming of far-right ideas.
The Latest Polls and the Election Outlook
With the federal elections just two weeks away, the latest polls reveal a shifting political landscape. According to a survey conducted by the Allensbach Institute and reported by the DPA news agency, the three leading parties have lost some ground. The CDU/CSU bloc remains in the lead with 29% of the vote, followed by the AfD at 21%, and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) at 16%. The Greens are in fourth place with 12%, while the Free Democratic Party (FDP) trails behind.
The FDP has made it clear that it will not form a coalition with the Greens, a stance that could complicate efforts to form a governing majority after the elections. In a video message, FDP leader Christian Lindner criticized CDU leader Friedrich Merz for suggesting that votes for the FDP might be "useless" if the party fails to cross the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament. Lindner argued that the FDP’s presence is essential to drive meaningful political change and prevent the rise of extremism.
The Broader Implications of the Protests
The protests against the AfD and the broader far-right movement in Germany reflect a deepening polarization in the country’s political landscape. While the AfD continues to gain support, particularly in regions where economic and social anxieties run high, the opposition to its ideology remains strong and widespread. The participation of prominent figures and organizations in the protests highlights the widespread concern about the direction of German politics and the potential erosion of democratic values.
The protests have also drawn attention to the broader context of far-right movements across Europe and beyond. Activists hope that the demonstrations will not only impact German politics but also send a message to other far-right parties in Europe and to the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, whose policies and rhetoric have emboldened nationalist movements worldwide.
As Germany approaches the federal elections, the outcome remains uncertain. The protests serve as a reminder of the stakes involved and the need for vigilance in defending democratic principles against the rise of extremism. The participation of individuals like Albrecht Weinberg, who have lived through the horrors of the past, underscores the importance of remembering history and preventing its repetition. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of German politics and its response to the challenges posed by far-right nationalism.
