Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Berlin on Saturday to protest against the far-right in Germany. The rally, which was organized by groups including trade unions, religious organizations, and left-wing political parties, saw a diverse crowd from all walks of life come together to denounce the rise of the far-right in the country.
The protest comes at a time when Germany is seeing a surge in support for far-right and populist parties, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The party, which has been described as anti-immigrant and anti-Islam, has seen a significant increase in its support in recent years, winning seats in the national parliament and several state legislatures.
Many of the protesters at Saturday’s rally expressed concerns about the growing influence of the far-right in German politics. One participant, 32-year-old Anne Weiland, told the Associated Press, “I’m here to fight for democracy. We can’t just stand by and watch as the far-right gains more and more power.”
The rally also saw a strong showing from immigrant and refugee communities, who feel increasingly targeted by the rhetoric and policies of far-right politicians. Many held signs and banners calling for tolerance and solidarity, and denouncing the AfD’s anti-immigrant stance.
The organizers of the protest emphasized the importance of standing up for democratic values and pushing back against the far-right. In a statement, they said, “We cannot allow the far-right to spread hatred and fear in our society. We must stand together and show that we reject their divisive and xenophobic ideology.”
The protest in Berlin follows similar demonstrations in other European countries, where far-right and populist movements have gained traction in recent years. In France, the rise of the National Rally party led to widespread protests and mobilization against the party’s anti-immigrant and nationalist agenda.
The growing resistance to the far-right in Europe reflects a broader global trend, with people around the world coming together to push back against the rise of authoritarian and nationalist ideologies. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of democratic ideals and the importance of safeguarding them in the face of rising extremism.
Saturday’s protest in Berlin was a powerful display of unity and determination in the face of growing far-right influence. As one of the organizers, Petra Pau, said, “We will not allow the far-right to take over. We will continue to fight for a diverse and inclusive society, where all people are treated with dignity and respect.”
