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.
Elon Musk has reclaimed his position as the world's richest individual, surpassing Bernard Arnault on Forbes' 39th Annual Billionaires list, while President Donald Trump has seen his wealth more than double, highlighting significant shifts in the global financial landscape.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Oliver Stone and James DiEugenio testified before the U.S. House on April 1, 2025, urging a reopening of the investigation into John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, citing new documents and inconsistencies in the official account.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
Elon Musk has reclaimed his position as the world's richest individual, surpassing Bernard Arnault on Forbes' 39th Annual Billionaires list, while President Donald Trump has seen his wealth more than double, highlighting significant shifts in the global financial landscape.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Oliver Stone and James DiEugenio testified before the U.S. House on April 1, 2025, urging a reopening of the investigation into John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, citing new documents and inconsistencies in the official account.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Elon Musk has reclaimed his position as the world's richest individual, surpassing Bernard Arnault on Forbes' 39th Annual Billionaires list, while President Donald Trump has seen his wealth more than double, highlighting significant shifts in the global financial landscape.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Oliver Stone and James DiEugenio testified before the U.S. House on April 1, 2025, urging a reopening of the investigation into John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, citing new documents and inconsistencies in the official account.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
Elon Musk has reclaimed his position as the world's richest individual, surpassing Bernard Arnault on Forbes' 39th Annual Billionaires list, while President Donald Trump has seen his wealth more than double, highlighting significant shifts in the global financial landscape.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 2nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Oliver Stone and James DiEugenio testified before the U.S. House on April 1, 2025, urging a reopening of the investigation into John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination, citing new documents and inconsistencies in the official account.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment