More than 100,000 people gathered in various cities across Germany on Saturday to protest against the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. The demonstrations were sparked by revelations that AfD members participated in meetings with neo-Nazis and extremists to discuss mass deportation plans.
In Frankfurt, approximately 35,000 individuals joined the protest under the theme "Defend democracy – Frankfurt against the AfD," while similar numbers were reported in Hanover. Protests occurred in other cities, including Braunschweig, Erfurt, and Kassel, with demonstrations called in about 100 locations across Germany over the weekend. The public outcry comes as the AfD's popularity rises in opinion polls ahead of significant regional elections in eastern Germany.
The protests were triggered by reports of AfD members attending meetings with neo-Nazis and extremists to discuss mass deportations of migrants, asylum seekers, and German citizens of foreign origin considered to have failed to integrate. The revelation sent shockwaves across Germany, prompting calls from politicians, churches, and Bundesliga coaches to stand up against the AfD. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other leaders denounced any plans for the expulsion of immigrants or citizens, describing it as an attack against democracy.
The AfD confirmed the presence of its members at the meetings but denied adopting the "remigration" project advocated by extremist figures. The demonstrations aim to express opposition to right-wing extremism and reinforce democratic values amid concerns about the AfD's growing influence.