Janice R. Andrews
On German Unity Day, Berlin witnessed a significant demonstration as thousands gathered to protest Germany’s military aid to Ukraine and its ties with NATO. The rally, organized primarily by far-left groups under the slogan “Never Again War,” drew an estimated 40,000 participants according to organizers, though police confirmed a turnout in the “low five figures.”
Protest Highlights and Key Figures
The streets of Berlin were awash with banners declaring “No More Weapons” and “Diplomacy, Not War.” Some protesters also expressed solidarity with Gaza, opposing Israeli military actions. The event proceeded peacefully, with no major incidents reported by the police.
Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of the newly formed Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), was a central figure at the rally. Speaking at the Berlin Victory Column, she advocated for immediate negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticized the German government’s alignment with U.S. policies. Wagenknecht also voiced concerns about the potential stationing of U.S. medium-range missiles in Germany, a move defended by Chancellor Olaf Scholz as a deterrent measure.
Political Spectrum and Reactions
The demonstration featured speakers from various political backgrounds, including Peter Gauweiler, former deputy leader of Bavaria’s conservative Christian Social Union (CSU), and Ralf Stegner, a veteran foreign policy commentator from the Social Democrats (SPD). Stegner faced some opposition from the crowd when he defended Ukraine’s right to self-defense against Russian aggression.
Protest Demands and Concerns
Protesters called for Germany to:
- Stop all arms exports, particularly to Ukraine and Israel
- Sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
- Reconsider its relationship with NATO
Some demonstrators expressed unfounded fears about the introduction of military drafts in Germany and accused NATO of committing “genocide” in eastern Ukraine and Gaza.
Implications and Criticisms
The rally highlighted the growing division within Germany regarding its role in global conflicts. Critics argue that aligning with Russia and withdrawing support from Ukraine could have serious geopolitical consequences. The protest also ignited debates about Germany’s defense policies and its future within Europe’s security framework.
Conclusion
This demonstration underscores the deepening rift in German public opinion concerning the Ukraine war and NATO’s role in European security. As the far-left movement gains traction, led by figures like Sahra Wagenknecht, it pushes for significant policy shifts that could reshape Germany’s global position. The German government now faces the challenge of balancing domestic dissent with international commitments, leaving open the question of how these protests might influence the country’s foreign policy in the future.
