Thousands of activists participate in demonstration against AFD and the rise of populism in Germany at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Saturday (25) Photo: Reproduction

Thousands of people went to the streets in Germany cities last Saturday (25) to protest against the growth of the far right, represented by the Alternative Party for Germany (AFD), which occupies second place in the research for the February elections. The demonstrations were marked by mobilizations in Berlin and Colony, attracting a crowd that defended democracy and repudiated the advance of ultranationalism in the country.

In Berlin, at the Brandenburg Gate, the protesters formed the so -called “sea of ​​light” with cell phones and displayed tracks against extremism. The act gathered between 60,000 and 100,000 people, according to police and organizers estimates.

Already in Colony, about 40,000 people participated in a march through the city streets, carrying posters with sayings such as “AFD is not alternative” and “outside Nazis”.

The demonstrations took place while AFD held its campaign launch event in the city of Halle, in the east of the country. During the rally, which brought together about 4,500 supporters, billionaire Elon Musk made a virtual appearance and expressed support for the party, encouraging the Germans to reject “multiculturalism” and rescue the “pride of their culture”. The statements generated indignation and reinforced the appeal of protests against the far right.

AFD, known for its anti-immigration rhetoric and ultranationalist positions, has grown consistently since its foundation in 2013. In the 2024 regional legislative elections, the party has achieved historical victories, including leadership in Turíngia, and consolidated as the Second political force in the Federal Parliament, with 20% of voting intentions, according to the most recent survey.

Leadership in the polls continues with the conservative alliance CDU/CSU, led by Friedrich Merz, who has 30% of the intentions.

Merz, who disputes the position of Chancellor, announced proposals to harden migratory policies, including the resumption of deportations and the control of borders. Although it reiterated the formal rejection of alliances with the far right, initiatives are seen as a possible opening for indirect collaborations with AFD in Parliament.

The position has been criticized by political leaders and social movements, which fear a weakening of the “sanitary cord” against extremism.

Source: vermelho.org.br



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