Protests erupted in Berlin against the far-right coincided with an AfD campaign event in Halle, as tensions rise over potential CDU-AfD coalition talks ahead of next month’s elections.
Tens of thousands gathered at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on Saturday night to protest the rise of the far-right ahead of Germany's snap elections on February 23. Organizers from Fridays for Future estimated 100,000 attendees, while police put the figure at 60,000. The protest coincided with a campaign event by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Halle.
Participants expressed concern over the growing far-right influence in Germany. "I find it all very frightening, what's going on right now, with the election campaign which has moved very far to the right," said Angelika, a protester from outside Berlin.
"I stand for democracy and for openness and diversity, and I think that's what makes Germany what it is. That's why it's important to stand up and be here," she added. Her 17-year-old son Kai also voiced his fear, noting, "My fear is that the pressure from the right will only intensify. I'm now also hearing about it at school, how people are talking about it and how critical they are of immigrants in general or of people who flee Ukraine, for example, because they simply no longer have the opportunity to live their lives."
In recent polls, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is leading with 30%, followed by the AfD at 20%, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) at 17%. AfD leader Alice Weidel, speaking at the campaign event in Halle, once again pushed for "remigration" policies and called for an end to the political isolation of her party.
"My message to Friedrich Merz, dear Christian Democratic Union, tear down the undemocratic firewall. You must realize the will of the voters. The AfD is ready. The voters want a blue-black coalition in the Federal Republic of Germany for a real political change," said Weidel.
The event also featured a video message from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has previously expressed support for the AfD, sparking controversy in Germany. Musk's backing of the far-right party has drawn significant attention, particularly given the political tensions surrounding the upcoming election.
The snap election, set for February 23, follows the collapse of Chancellor Scholz’s coalition, amid growing support for the AfD and debates over migration and security.
Russia has announced it no longer considers itself bound by a self-imposed moratorium on deploying short- and medium-range missiles, citing growing th...
A fire beneath a commuter train at Newport Station in Jersey City caused major disruptions to New Jersey transit lines on Monday morning (August 4)....
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to significantly raise tariffs on India over its continued purchase and resale of Russian oil, ...
At least 11 people were killed and more than 70 others, including women and children, were kidnapped by armed men on motorbikes in Sabongarin Damri, a...
Torrential monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across northern and eastern India, with widespread flooding reported in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal...
Türkiye’s first domestically produced electric SUV, the Togg T10X, is expected to hit the German market by the end of 2025, German daily Bild reported.
Germany announced on Friday it will send two more Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, following a deal with the United States that ensures Berlin will be prioritised for receiving the latest replacements.
Recognition of a Palestinian state should come at the end of talks on a two-state solution but Berlin would respond to any unilateral actions, after citing "annexation threats" by some Israeli ministers, according to Germany's foreign minister on Thursday.
Germany’s cabinet has approved a draft 2026 budget on Wednesday featuring record investments and a borrowing level nearly three times higher than last year’s, aiming to strengthen infrastructure and defence while efforts to revive growth.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
Russia has announced it no longer considers itself bound by a self-imposed moratorium on deploying short- and medium-range missiles, citing growing threats from the U.S. and NATO.
A fire beneath a commuter train at Newport Station in Jersey City caused major disruptions to New Jersey transit lines on Monday morning (August 4).
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to significantly raise tariffs on India over its continued purchase and resale of Russian oil, accusing New Delhi of profiting from the war in Ukraine.
At least 11 people were killed and more than 70 others, including women and children, were kidnapped by armed men on motorbikes in Sabongarin Damri, a village in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria, according to witnesses.
Talks on a global treaty to reduce plastic pollution risk falling apart as countries remain divided over how to limit plastic production.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment