Janice R. Andrews
Thousands of Germans took to the streets on Saturday to protest against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the party officially began its election campaign. The large-scale demonstrations reflect widespread concern over the rise of far-right extremism and the AfD’s increasing anti-immigrant rhetoric ahead of the pivotal election scheduled for February 23.
In Berlin’s historic Brandenburg Gate, protesters united in their opposition by blowing whistles and singing anti-fascist anthems, making a clear statement against the AfD’s platform. Similarly, in Cologne, demonstrators waved banners condemning the party, highlighting the national anxiety regarding the potential societal impact of AfD policies.
The AfD launched its campaign in Halle, attracting approximately 4,500 supporters to hear party leader Alice Weidel, who is also the AfD’s candidate for chancellor. During her speech, Weidel emphasized the need for “remigration,” a hot-button issue that has gained traction following a tragic knife attack in Aschaffenburg earlier in the week. This attack, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a two-year-old child, has intensified the national debate on domestic security and immigration policies.
“We must prioritize the safety and security of our citizens,” Weidel declared, reinforcing the party’s stringent stance on immigration. Her comments come at a time when Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has designated the AfD as a “suspected” far-right extremist organization, raising significant concerns among civil society groups and political rivals.
Current polling data places the AfD in a strong second position with 20%, trailing behind the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union (CSU), which lead with 31%. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) are in third place with 15%, closely followed by the Greens at 14%. These figures demonstrate the AfD’s substantial influence and the competitive nature of the upcoming elections.
Adding an international dimension to the campaign launch, American billionaire Elon Musk appeared via videolink to express his support for the AfD. Musk, known for his advisory role to former President Donald Trump, stated, “I think you are really the best hope for Germany.” His involvement has sparked controversy, with allegations of interference in European politics. Musk recently drew attention for a gesture resembling a Hitler salute at Trump’s inauguration, further igniting debates about his role and intentions.
“We need to move beyond past guilt,” Musk continued, asserting that “children should not be guilty of the sins of their parents or even their great-grandparents.” These sentiments resonated with Weidel, who echoed Trump’s famous slogan by declaring, “Make Germany great again,” signaling a clear alignment with nationalist ideologies.
The AfD’s campaign launch in Halle was met with immediate resistance, as tens of thousands marched in various cities to protest against right-wing extremism. In Cologne alone, police estimated that over 20,000 people participated in the demonstrations, far exceeding the initial projections of 5,000 to 10,000. Despite the large turnout, authorities reported that the events proceeded without significant disruptions.
These widespread protests underscore the strong opposition to the AfD’s rise and its potential effects on Germany’s future. As the election date nears, the country remains deeply divided, with substantial segments of the population mobilizing to protect democratic values against what they perceive as a threat from far-right ideologies.
With the election just weeks away, Germany’s political landscape is set for a crucial showdown. Voters are faced with competing visions for the nation’s direction amidst heightened tensions and fervent advocacy from both supporters and opponents of the AfD, setting the stage for a highly contested electoral battle.
