In a significant show of unity, around 160,000 people marched through Berlin this past Sunday, expressing their outrage at perceived breaches of a long-standing political taboo in post-war Germany regarding collaboration with far-right groups.
Massive Protest in Berlin Against Far-Right Political Moves
Massive Protest in Berlin Against Far-Right Political Moves
Tens of thousands rally to express discontent with collaboration between mainstream parties and the far-right AfD.
The protests were sparked by recent votes wherein members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, sought support from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in a non-binding immigration resolution. This collaboration angered many citizens, as it challenges Germany’s political commitment to distancing itself from far-right ideologies.
Reports indicate that participants rallied outside the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, before progressing to CDU's headquarters, urging parties to uphold democratic values in the face of extremism. "We can no longer avert our gaze," stated protester Anna Schwarz, reflecting the sentiment of many who feel the political landscape is shifting dangerously.
As national elections approach, the CDU appears to lead in the polls, with the AfD in a strong second position, though Merz has ruled out any formal coalition with them. This week, a controversial immigration law was narrowly rejected by parliament after being backed by the CDU and AfD, provoking even more critique from past CDU leadership, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Merz defended his position as "necessary," arguing, "A right decision doesn't become wrong just because the wrong people agree to it." However, opposition to his strategy remains fierce, underscoring the complexities and tensions surrounding Germany's political future as these elections draw near.
Reports indicate that participants rallied outside the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, before progressing to CDU's headquarters, urging parties to uphold democratic values in the face of extremism. "We can no longer avert our gaze," stated protester Anna Schwarz, reflecting the sentiment of many who feel the political landscape is shifting dangerously.
As national elections approach, the CDU appears to lead in the polls, with the AfD in a strong second position, though Merz has ruled out any formal coalition with them. This week, a controversial immigration law was narrowly rejected by parliament after being backed by the CDU and AfD, provoking even more critique from past CDU leadership, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Merz defended his position as "necessary," arguing, "A right decision doesn't become wrong just because the wrong people agree to it." However, opposition to his strategy remains fierce, underscoring the complexities and tensions surrounding Germany's political future as these elections draw near.
