Janice R. Andrews
Over 200,000 people rallied in Munich, Germany, in a massive protest against far-right extremism as the country prepares for snap elections on 23 February. The demonstration, held at Munich’s Theresienwiese—home to the annual Oktoberfest—drew a crowd far larger than expected, with organizers estimating up to 320,000 attendees. Protesters carried signs with slogans like, “Racism and hatred is not an alternative,” voicing their opposition to the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which currently ranks second in recent polls.
The protest, supported by activist groups, churches, and Munich football clubs FC Bayern and TSV 1860, was peaceful, according to police. Similar rallies in cities like Hanover and Rostock also saw significant turnout, reflecting a nationwide wave of demonstrations against the AfD and far-right ideologies.
Veronika Frank, a pensioner attending the Munich protest, expressed her dismay, stating, “I find it horrible that right-wing ideas are acceptable again, that this is being said openly again.” Her sentiments echo growing concerns over the AfD’s rising influence and its controversial policies, including its recent manifesto promise of “remigration,” a term far-right groups use to describe mass deportations of immigrants.
The AfD, which entered Germany’s national parliament in 2017, has denied accusations of racism, even calling members from immigrant backgrounds to testify in court last year. However, its policies, such as abolishing the euro and reintroducing military conscription, have sparked widespread criticism.
Protesters have also targeted Friedrich Merz, leader of the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), for proposing tough migration rules backed by the AfD. Demonstrators argue that Merz and his party violated Germany’s post-Nazi era consensus by collaborating with far-right groups. Merz denies working with the AfD, but the controversy has fueled public outrage.
As Germany approaches its elections, these protests highlight a nation grappling with its political future. Activists hope the rallies will not only counter the AfD’s rise but also draw attention to far-right movements across Europe and beyond. With the AfD’s growing support, the demonstrations underscore a critical moment in Germany’s fight to uphold democratic values and reject extremism.
The protests serve as a powerful reminder of the collective resolve to ensure that the horrors of the past are never repeated. As one banner at the Berlin Brandenburg Gate rally read, “Never again is now.”
