The protests are in response to a report alleging that members of the Alternative for Germany Party (AfD) attended a meeting where the widespread deportation of migrants was discussed.
In opposition to the far right, tens of thousands of Germans have taken to the streets in protest.
The protests have been organized in reaction to a report implicating multiple individuals affiliated with the far-right Alternative for Germany Party (AfD) in a gathering where mass deportation of migrants was the subject of discussion.
Demonstrators in Berlin endured subzero temperatures to express their disapproval.
“Nazis out” and “Racism is not an alternative” are written on signs.
Organizers estimated 350,000 people had assembled, whereas local media and police stated that the figure was 100,000.
Lydia, carrying a rainbow sign, stated, “We need to do much more about what’s going on in Germany; we don’t want any Nazis returning, and we want a colorful society.”
Many are apprehensive that Germany is proceeding in a direction that could sit better with them.
Uvi clarified, “Racism is rising, and we wish to convey our disapproval somehow.”
Dalila continued, “It terrifies me. Momentum is increasingly shifting to the right; it is perceptible everywhere. Because of this, I enjoy coming here.”
Widespread Opposition Across Germany
Protests were called off in Munich due to congestion after approximately 100,000 individuals arrived.
Over the weekend, enormous crowds gathered in locations such as Frankfurt, Cologne, and Hamburg.
A considerable number of protestors are demanding that the AfD be prohibited.
Certain people have compared the “remigration” proposal to the Nazis’ initial attempt to remove European Jews to Madagascar.
Nancy Faeser, the German interior minister, recently told reporters that what is on display are right-wing extremist networks and ideologies that are not oblivious to history but instead actively pursue Nazi goals.
“We will not tolerate this blatant endeavor to define ethnically who belongs in Germany and who does not.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the protests as “good and right” in a video message before the weekend’s events.
“Right-wing extremists are engulfing our democracy,” he cautioned. Their objective is to undermine our unity.”
An inquiry reveals a purported “master plan”
A “master plan” for the mass deportation of German asylum-seekers and German citizens of foreign origin was allegedly discussed at a November meeting in Potsdam attended by AfD, neo-Nazis, and other far-right extremists, according to an investigation by the journalism network Correctiv.
Additionally, two Christian Democrats (CDU) members, former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s political party, were reportedly in attendance; however, neither holds an official position within the party.
Martin Sellner, the Austrian leader of the far-right Identitarian Movement, reportedly proposed a “remigration” initiative at the meeting in which “unassimilated” immigrants, despite possessing German citizenship, would be forced to flee the country.
Correctiv reported that the notion of deportees being relocated to a “model state” in North Africa was also put forth, citing hidden camera footage, attendee testimonies, and reporters staking out the hotel where the meeting was held.
AfD denies plans as party policy
The second-ranked AfD in national polls has denied that the proposals above constitute party policy.
Alice Weidel, a co-leader, severed ties with one of her advisors who had been present during the discussions.
Simon Green, a politics professor at Aston University, stated, “Prohibiting a party that is doing exceptionally well and enjoys substantial public support carries real political dangers, given the repercussions that would befall its supporters.”
“Using legal methods to defeat populist and extreme right-wing parties is a risky and flawed endeavor.” In general, achieving a political defeat over these parties is preferable to a legal one.
Amidst the AfD’s denial, protests have taken place in numerous cities over the week.
Security authorities in multiple German states are conducting investigations into the AfD. Should national authorities classify it as an extremist organization, it could be subject to prohibition.
The party refutes accusations of racism and extremism.
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