Protesters rally in Berlin against immigration bill backed by far-right AfD
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Protesters rally in Berlin against immigration bill backed by far-right AfD

Firstpost  

Around 160,000 gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, next to the Bundestag lower house, according to the Berlin police. The protesters held banners reading ‘We are the firewall, no cooperation with the AfD’ and ‘Merz, go home, shame on you’ People light up their mobile phones during a protest against the migration plans of the CDU party leader and top candidate for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the far-right Alternative for Germany party, in Berlin, Germany. Friedrich Merz, the conservatives’ leader who is tipped to become Germany’s next chancellor after a national election set for Feb. 23, Around 160,000 gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, next to the Bundestag lower house, according to the Berlin police. Mainstream German parties had previously joined forces to prevent the AfD, which is under surveillance by Germany’s security services, from achieving legislative power, something they call a firewall against the far-right.

Germany German Berlin Cdu Afd Merz  berlin  rally  immigration  chancellor  germany  farright  support  bill  lower  protesters  backed  merz  afd  party  house

History of this topic

Massive protests erupt in 150 cities in Germany ahead of snap elections on February 23: Here's why
1 month, 1 week ago

Massive protests erupt in 150 cities in Germany ahead of snap elections on February 23: Here's why

Firstpost  

In a little over a week, Germans are to head to the polls in what has been described as one of the country’s most crucial elections in recent history, given the rise of far-right party AfD, among other factors As many as 100,000 people showed up to the protests spread across 150 cities in Germany. File image/AP Tens of thousands …

Massive protests erupt in 150 cities in Germany ahead of snap elections on February 23: Here's why
1 month, 1 week ago

Massive protests erupt in 150 cities in Germany ahead of snap elections on February 23: Here's why

Firstpost  

In a little over a week, Germans are to head to the polls in what has been described as one of the country’s most crucial elections in recent history, given the rise of far-right party AfD, among other factors As many as 100,000 people showed up to the protests spread across 150 cities in Germany. File image/AP Tens of thousands …

At least 200,000 protesters rally in Munich against far-right AfD ahead of German election
1 month, 2 weeks ago

At least 200,000 protesters rally in Munich against far-right AfD ahead of German election

Associated Press  

MUNICH, Germany — More than 200,000 protesters rallied in Munich, Germany, on Saturday against far-right extremism ahead of the country’s general election. The event’s organizer estimated the crowd could be up to 320,000 people, many of whom carried signs against the AfD with slogans like, “Racism and hatred is not an alternative.” The protest was supported by activist groups as …

Protesters rally against German party leader who pushed migration proposal backed by far-right
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Protesters rally against German party leader who pushed migration proposal backed by far-right

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Tens of thousands took to the streets across Germany on the weekend to protest against the center-right leader and front-runner in a Feb. 25 election for sending to parliament proposals for tough new migration rules that received the backing of a far-right party. Angry protesters in Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Leipzig said that Friedrich Merz and his Christian …

Germans protest at conservative cooperation with far right on migration
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Germans protest at conservative cooperation with far right on migration

Al Jazeera  

Protesters say CDU head Friedrich Merz broke post-Nazi norm of never passing any rule with the support of far-right parties. Angry protesters came out in droves in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Leipzig on Sunday to oppose Friedrich Merz and the move by his Christian Democratic Union to pass a resolution in parliament with the support of the far-right nationalist …

Protesters rally against German party leader who pushed migration proposal backed by far-right
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Protesters rally against German party leader who pushed migration proposal backed by far-right

LA Times  

People hold signs stand in front of the Reichstag in Berlin during a demonstration on Sunday. Angry protesters in Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Leipzig said that Friedrich Merz and his Christian Democrats broke Germany’s unwritten post-Nazi promise by all democratic parties to never pass any rule or resolution in parliament with the support of far-right, nationalist parties such as the …

Thousands protest the rise of German far right ahead of Feb. 23 general election
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Thousands protest the rise of German far right ahead of Feb. 23 general election

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Thousands of Germans on Saturday protested in Berlin and other cities against the rise of the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party ahead of a Feb. 23 general election. At Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, participants lighted up their phones, blew whistles and sang anti-fascist songs, and in Cologne, protesters carried banners denouncing AfD. Merz said Friday that his …

Thousands in Germany protest the rise of the far right ahead of next month’s election
Trending News
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Thousands in Germany protest the rise of the far right ahead of next month’s election

LA Times  

People hold up their phones as they protest the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD party, and right-wing extremism in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Saturday. At Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, a huge crowd blew whistles, sang anti-fascist songs and carried banners denouncing Alternative for Germany, or AfD. Saturday’s protests took place while AfD opened its election campaign …

Anti-AfD protest highlights Germany's growing political divide
2 months, 1 week ago

Anti-AfD protest highlights Germany's growing political divide

China Daily  

Police officers stand in front of protesters, as the protesters block a road during a demonstration, near the venue for the far-right Alternative for Germany party congress in Riesa, Germany, Jan 11, 2025. Protesters shouted anti-fascist slogans including "No to Nazis" outside the venue of the AfD convention where co-leader Alice Weidel was chosen as the party's candidate for chancellor …

Thousands protest at far-right AfD rally as German election campaign begins
2 months, 1 week ago

Thousands protest at far-right AfD rally as German election campaign begins

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. At a news conference in Hamburg, Mr Merz concentrated …

Thousands gather in Germany to protest far-right AfD congress
2 months, 1 week ago

Thousands gather in Germany to protest far-right AfD congress

Al Jazeera  

Thousands attempted to block delegates from attending meeting where Alice Weidel was chosen as the AfD’s candidate for chancellor in next month’s election. Thousands of protesters shouting “No to Nazis” gathered in the German town of Riesa, where the far-right Alternative for Germany party held a key convention approving co-leader Alice Weidel as candidate for chancellor in next month’s snap …

Germany’s AfD rallies in Magdeburg, site of deadly Christmas market attack
3 months ago

Germany’s AfD rallies in Magdeburg, site of deadly Christmas market attack

Al Jazeera  

The far-right party holds ‘memorial’ rally for victims of car-ramming attack that has inflamed debate on migrant and security policy. Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party has held what it calls a “memorial” rally for the victims of a car-ramming attack on a Christmas market that has inflamed debate on migrant and security policy. “Terror has arrived in our city,” …

German far-right party reelects its leaders after election gains while opponents protest
8 months, 3 weeks ago

German far-right party reelects its leaders after election gains while opponents protest

Associated Press  

BERLIN — The far-right Alternative for Germany reelected its leadership duo Saturday after the party made gains in the recent European election, while thousands of people protested against its convention and some demonstrators tried to block roads or clashed with police. Two officers were kicked in the head while a politician was being escorted through a group of protesters and …

At least 150,000 gather in Berlin to protest the far right
1 year, 1 month ago

At least 150,000 gather in Berlin to protest the far right

Associated Press  

BERLIN — At least 150,000 people gathered in front of the German national parliament Saturday afternoon to protest against the far right, the latest in a string of large weekend demonstrations across Germany. The pro-democracy demonstrations started three weeks ago after the investigative journalists’ group Correctiv published an article saying that right-wing extremists had recently met to discuss deporting millions …

At least 150,000 gather in Berlin to protest the far right
1 year, 1 month ago

At least 150,000 gather in Berlin to protest the far right

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least 150,000 people gathered …

German president calls for alliance against extremism as protests against far right draw thousands
1 year, 1 month ago

German president calls for alliance against extremism as protests against far right draw thousands

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Germany’s president called Monday for a broad “alliance against extremism” in the wake of a report about far-right discussions of deporting millions of immigrants that prompted protests by hundreds of thousands of people. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with employers and business associations, labor union leaders and others on to discuss social cohesion and the state of democracy in …

The popularity of a far-right party produces counter-rallies across Germany
1 year, 1 month ago

The popularity of a far-right party produces counter-rallies across Germany

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Hundreds of thousands of people in Germany turned out for a third weekend to protest the popularity and policies of the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD party. A rally in Hamburg took place Sunday with a theme of “For diversity and our democracy - Hamburg stands united against the AfD.” Organizers said that up to 100,000 people …

Protests against Germany's far right draw hundreds of thousands — in Munich, too many for safety
1 year, 2 months ago

Protests against Germany's far right draw hundreds of thousands — in Munich, too many for safety

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A protest against the far …

Tens of thousands flood protests against far right in Germany
1 year, 2 months ago

Tens of thousands flood protests against far right in Germany

The Hindu  

Tens of thousands gathered across Germany again on Sunday to protest the far-right AfD, after it emerged that party members discussed mass deportation plans at a meeting of extremists. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who joined a demonstration last weekend, said any plan to expel immigrants or citizens alike amounted to "an attack against our democracy, and in turn, on all of …

Tens of thousands protest against Germany’s far-right over plans to mass deport migrants
1 year, 2 months ago

Tens of thousands protest against Germany’s far-right over plans to mass deport migrants

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tens of thousands of people …

Hundreds of thousands protest against far right in Germany
1 year, 2 months ago

Hundreds of thousands protest against far right in Germany

Al Jazeera  

Rallies to protest against the Alternative for Germany party are held in Berlin, Munich and other cities. While national polls show AfD in second place behind the main centre-right opposition bloc and ahead of the parties in the government, demonstrations against the far-right party gained momentum after a January 10 report from investigative news website Correctiv revealed that migration policies …

What’s behind mass protests against Germany’s far-right AfD party?
1 year, 2 months ago

What’s behind mass protests against Germany’s far-right AfD party?

Al Jazeera  

‘Nazis, no thank you’ and ‘It feels like 1933, AfD ban now!’ read some of the banners at protests across the country. Protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany party are gaining momentum in the European Union nation in the wake of a report that two senior party members joined a November meeting in Berlin, where planned mass deportation of …

Protests against Germany’s far right gain new momentum after report on meeting of extremists
1 year, 2 months ago

Protests against Germany’s far right gain new momentum after report on meeting of extremists

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Tens of thousands of people protested the far right in cities across Germany on Saturday, attending events with slogans such as “Never Again is Now,” “Against Hate” and “Defend Democracy.” The large crowds were the latest in a series of demonstrations that have been gaining momentum in recent days. The protests also build on growing anxiety over the …

Tens of thousands protest in Germany against the far right
1 year, 2 months ago

Tens of thousands protest in Germany against the far right

Al Jazeera  

Public outcry followed revelations that the far-right Alternative for Germany had discussed plans to mass deport immigrants. People protested in several cities and small towns on Saturday, with some mocking the Alternative for Germany party with signs saying “Fascism is not an alternative”, German media reported. Police said some 35,000 people joined a call under the banner “Defend democracy – …

Tens of thousands pack into a protest in Hamburg against Germany’s far right
1 year, 2 months ago

Tens of thousands pack into a protest in Hamburg against Germany’s far right

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Tens of thousands of people gathered Friday in Hamburg for a demonstration against the far right, and organizers said the protest was ended early because the mass of people led to safety concerns. Media outlet Correctiv last week reported on the alleged far-right meeting in November, which it said was attended by figures from the extremist Identitarian Movement …

Tens of thousands pack into a protest in Hamburg against Germany's far right
1 year, 2 months ago

Tens of thousands pack into a protest in Hamburg against Germany's far right

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tens of thousands of people …

German far-right party assailed over report of extremist meeting
1 year, 2 months ago

German far-right party assailed over report of extremist meeting

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Germany’s governing parties assailed a resurgent far-right opposition party on Thursday over a report that extremists recently met to discuss the deportation of millions of immigrants, including some with German citizenship, which has led to a string of protests in recent days. National polls currently show AfD in second place with support of over 20% — behind the …

Why Germans are protesting against a political party and comparing it to Nazis
1 year, 2 months ago

Why Germans are protesting against a political party and comparing it to Nazis

Firstpost  

Thousands of people across Germany have taken to the streets against a political party. Reuters Sky News quoted the party as saying that its members attended the meet in a ‘purely personal capacity.’ However, some AfD MPs have come out in favour of the plan. “And even from people who are not AfD sympathizers or voters, the collateral damage would …

Demonstrations against the far right held in Germany following a report on a deportation meeting
1 year, 2 months ago

Demonstrations against the far right held in Germany following a report on a deportation meeting

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Thousands of people gathered in Germany on Sunday for demonstrations against the far right, among them Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his foreign minister, following a report that extremists recently met to discuss the deportation of millions of immigrants, including German citizens, if they took power. Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock represent the Potsdam area in the German …

Thousands march in Europe in the latest rallies against antisemitism stoked by the war in Gaza
1 year, 3 months ago

Thousands march in Europe in the latest rallies against antisemitism stoked by the war in Gaza

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thousands of people marched in …

Thousands demonstrate against antisemitism in Berlin as Germany grapples with a rise in incidents
1 year, 3 months ago

Thousands demonstrate against antisemitism in Berlin as Germany grapples with a rise in incidents

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Several thousand people demonstrated against antisemitism in Berlin on Sunday as Germany grapples with a large increase in anti-Jewish incidents following Hamas’ attack on Israel two months ago. Police estimated that around 3,200 people gathered in the rain in the German capital, while organizers put the figure at 10,000, German news agency dpa reported. A group tracking antisemitism …

German opposition leader takes aim at migration but largely rules out working with far right
1 year, 8 months ago

German opposition leader takes aim at migration but largely rules out working with far right

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Germany’s conservative opposition leader said Tuesday that large-scale migration is one of the country’s biggest problems and the main reason for a recent surge in support for the far right. “It’s not radical right-wing, national-socialist conviction but rather it’s two-thirds protest,” Merz said of recent poll numbers, which put AfD’s nationwide support at 20%. German news agency dpa …

Thousands join Berlin rally calling for Ukraine peace talks
2 years ago

Thousands join Berlin rally calling for Ukraine peace talks

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Thousands of people protested in Berlin on Saturday to condemn Germany’s supply of arms to Ukraine and call for peace talks to end the war. One of the organizers, opposition lawmaker Sahra Wagenknecht of the ex-communist Left party, said during the rally that there was no place for neo-Nazis, but that anyone who wanted peace “with an honest …

Berlin protesters decry coronavirus measures; 600 detained
3 years, 7 months ago

Berlin protesters decry coronavirus measures; 600 detained

India TV News  

Thousands turned out in Berlin to protest the German government's anti-coronavirus measures despite a ban on the gatherings, leading to clashes with police and the detention of some 600 protesters. Berlin's police department deployed more than 2,000 officers to try and disperse the protests on Sunday, but it said officers who sought to redirect protesters or disband larger groups were …

Germany records rise in neo-Nazis, far-right extremists in pandemic-hit 2020
3 years, 9 months ago

Germany records rise in neo-Nazis, far-right extremists in pandemic-hit 2020

LA Times  

Police use water cannons to disperse anti-lockdown protesters near the Reichstag in Berlin in November. Authorities in Germany say that the number of far-right extremists in the country increased last year as neo-Nazis sought to join protests against pandemic-related restrictions. German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said Tuesday that authorities counted 33,300 far-right extremists in 2020, an increase of almost 4% …

Over 50 police injured, 250 detained in Berlin May Day riots
3 years, 10 months ago

Over 50 police injured, 250 detained in Berlin May Day riots

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy More than 50 police officers …

Thousands of Germans protest against Merkel’s coronavirus plans
4 years, 4 months ago

Thousands of Germans protest against Merkel’s coronavirus plans

Al Jazeera  

One protester wore a face mask with the words ‘Merkel-Muzzle’, others held banners with slogans such as ‘Carnival against fascism’. Several thousand people banging saucepans and blowing whistles gathered in central Berlin on Wednesday to protest against Angela Merkel’s plans to give her government powers to enforce restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus. Germany’s lower and …

German officials ban anti-lockdown protest near parliament
4 years, 4 months ago

German officials ban anti-lockdown protest near parliament

Associated Press  

BERLIN — German officials have cited security concerns in their decision to ban a series of protests planned Wednesday outside the federal parliament by people opposed to coronavirus lockdown measures. The unusual move comes amid fears that extremist groups could try to use a rally initially planned for Wednesday to attack the Bundestag, echoing an unsuccessful attempt to storm the …

German leaders condemn far-right attempt to storm Reichstag
4 years, 6 months ago

German leaders condemn far-right attempt to storm Reichstag

Associated Press  

BERLIN — Senior German officials on Sunday condemned attempts by far-right protesters and others to storm the parliament building following a protest against the country’s pandemic restrictions. “Reich flags and right-wing extremist provocations in front of the German Bundestag are an unbearable attack on the heart of our democracy,” Germany’s president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said Sunday. “I expect Interior Minister Horst …

Protesters Throng Berlin In Massive Rally To Support 'Open And Free Society'
6 years, 5 months ago

Protesters Throng Berlin In Massive Rally To Support 'Open And Free Society'

NPR  

Protesters Throng Berlin In Massive Rally To Support 'Open And Free Society' Enlarge this image toggle caption Sean Gallup/Getty Images Sean Gallup/Getty Images When German organizers pulled together a demonstration in Berlin to support "an open and free society," they had some ambitious goals. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her fellow conservatives are suffering from low approval ratings, partly because …

Chemnitz protests: Anti-migrant demonstrations continue for third night in Germany
6 years, 6 months ago

Chemnitz protests: Anti-migrant demonstrations continue for third night in Germany

CNN  

Chemnitz, Germany CNN — A few hundred protesters gathered Thursday evening for a nationalist rally in Chemnitz, just across the street from where local officials were meeting with community groups to discuss violent anti-migrant sentiment that flared earlier this week in the eastern German city. She also condemned the fatal stabbing, saying it was “a horrible incident.” Arrest warrant investigation …

Anti-Immigrant Protest Turns Violent In Eastern German City Of Chemnitz
6 years, 6 months ago

Anti-Immigrant Protest Turns Violent In Eastern German City Of Chemnitz

NPR  

Anti-Immigrant Protest Turns Violent In Eastern German City Of Chemnitz Enlarge this image toggle caption Sean Gallup/Getty Images Sean Gallup/Getty Images Hundreds of right-wing demonstrators took to the streets in the eastern German city of Chemnitz to demand that foreigners leave the country following the arrest of two migrants in a fatal stabbing incident. On Sunday, police reported "a series …

Chemnitz: Merkel slams ‘hate in the streets’ after far-right protests
6 years, 6 months ago

Chemnitz: Merkel slams ‘hate in the streets’ after far-right protests

CNN  

Berlin CNN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned violent anti-migrant protests in the state of Saxony, saying “hate in the streets” has no place in the country. German police fired water cannons and used pepper spray in the city of Chemnitz on Monday night during a second day of protests, as 6,000 far-right demonstrators, some chanting neo-Nazi slogans and …

Chemnitz protests: German government condemns right-wing rioters
6 years, 6 months ago

Chemnitz protests: German government condemns right-wing rioters

CNN  

Berlin CNN — The German government condemned attempts to “spread hatred on the streets” after a violent demonstration Sunday in Chemnitz, eastern Germany, where protesters called for foreigners to leave the city. Footage posted on social media shows participants clashing with police and shouting “Foreigners get out,” “This is our city” and “We are the people,” a phrase used 30 …

German election: Anti-AfD protests erupt in Berlin
7 years, 6 months ago

German election: Anti-AfD protests erupt in Berlin

Al Jazeera  

Demonstrators descend at a building in Berlin where the leaders of the far-right party are celebrating election results. Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets in central Berlin after exit polls showed that the far-right Alternative for Germany party had become Germany’s third-largest political force. Shouting slogans such as “All Berlin hates the AfD!” and ”Nazi pigs!”, the demonstrators …

More than 120 police officers injured as Berlin anti-gentrification protest turns violent
8 years, 8 months ago

More than 120 police officers injured as Berlin anti-gentrification protest turns violent

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy More than 120 police officers …

400 arrested as left wing protesters clash with far-right in Germany
8 years, 10 months ago

400 arrested as left wing protesters clash with far-right in Germany

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hundreds of left-wing protesters have …

One chart that shows the far right is getting more popular in Germany
9 years ago

One chart that shows the far right is getting more popular in Germany

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Police in Germany said that around 1,700 people attended …

'Deport them': Protesters blame refugees for Cologne violence, rally against Angela Merkel
9 years, 2 months ago

'Deport them': Protesters blame refugees for Cologne violence, rally against Angela Merkel

Firstpost  

Thousands of far-right protesters rallied against Angela Merkel and the record refugee influx they blamed for sexual violence against women at Cologne. Leipzig: Thousands of far-right protesters rallied in the eastern German city of Leipzig Monday against the record refugee influx they blamed for sexual violence against women at New Year’s Eve festivities. “Since New Year’s Eve, nothing is like …

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