More than 160,000 people gathered in Berlin to protest against an immigration bill proposed by the CDU/CSU and backed by the far-right AfD. The draft law aimed to tighten border controls and restrict family reunifications for refugees, but it failed to pass in the Bundestag after internal opposition
Thousands took to the streets of Berlin on Sunday in opposition to an immigration bill sponsored by Friedrich Merz, leader of the centre-right CDU/CSU, with backing from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The proposal sought to limit family reunifications and impose stricter border policies, a move that sparked public outrage.
Protesters assembled near the Bundestag, holding banners that read "We are the firewall, no cooperation with the AfD" and "Merz, go home, shame on you!" According to Berlin police, the demonstration drew approximately 160,000 people.
Merz, who is considered a frontrunner in Germany’s upcoming national election on February 23, attempted to push the bill through the lower house of parliament on Friday. However, it failed to secure enough votes, as some members of his own party refused to support it. The setback was seen as a blow to his leadership, with critics warning that his cooperation with the AfD could damage his political standing.
Germany’s mainstream parties have historically worked to block the AfD from gaining legislative influence, maintaining what they call a “firewall” against the far-right. The AfD remains under surveillance by national security services.
While opinion polls indicate that two-thirds of the public favour stricter immigration controls, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens dismissed the CDU/CSU proposal, arguing it would not have prevented recent violent crimes and could violate European law.
Similar protests erupted across Germany on Saturday, with tens of thousands marching in Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Leipzig against both the CDU/CSU and the AfD.
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Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
China has raised the retail prices of petrol and diesel after global oil prices climbed sharply. The country’s top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced the move after reviewing international oil market trends.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan has approved a new programme aimed at developing educational courses and training sessions for young parents.
The United States has designated Afghanistan a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”, accusing the Taliban of holding American citizens to gain political concessions and demanding the immediate release of detained Americans.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a hardline cleric with strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His rise signals continuity in Tehran's anti-Western policies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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