Germany witnessed massive protests across several major cities over the weekend, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets to condemn the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party after reports surfaced that AfD leaders met to discuss plans to deport millions of immigrants. The protests reflect growing fears over rising extremism and authoritarianism.
Lead-Up: AfD Meeting and Deportation Plans Revealed
The protests were sparked by an investigative report on January 15th by the non-profit news organization Correctiv, which revealed that top AfD leaders and lawmakers held a meeting in early January to discuss deportation plans. According to Correctiv, the meeting involved talks of deporting millions of immigrants of Muslim faith, even those legally residing in Germany.
The deportation plans outlined in the meeting have been described by media and critics as reminiscent of Nazi-era policies. Vice Chancellor Annalena Baerbock said the plans demonstrate the AfD intends “to turn Germany into an authoritarian state.”
Mass Mobilization Over the Weekend
In response to the revelations, demonstrations were quickly organized online for the weekend under the banner “No place for Nazis” and “Don’t give AfD a platform.”
Across Germany on Saturday, over 350,000 people protested in Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and other major cities against the AfD. Demonstrators carried signs with slogans such as “Nazis out” and “Never again.”
On Sunday, the demonstrations continued for a second consecutive day in Berlin, Hamburg and elsewhere, bringing the weekend total to over 600,000.
Both Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock joined Sunday’s protest in Berlin along with tens of thousands of Germans.
Baerbock gave an impassioned speech saying “The AfD wants mass deportations. They stir up hatred against human beings because of their religion…We will not give fascists an inch.”
Key Events So Far
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 15 | Investigative report reveals AfD meeting and deportation plans |
| January 21-22 | Massive protests across Germany against AfD, over 600,000 participate |
Calls to Ban or Restrict AfD Continue
The protests over the weekend have amplified long-standing calls to restrict or outright ban the AfD party. The AfD is currently the largest opposition party in Germany’s parliament.
Last week, Social Democratic leader Lars Klingbeil described AfD leader Tino Chrupalla as “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” and accused the AfD of undermining German democracy. He and others argue the extremist views reflected in the leaks put the AfD beyond the acceptable bounds of mainstream German politics.
Some federal states have already initiated legal and surveillance measures against AfD representatives. Lower Saxony recently ruled to place a regional AfD party branch under formal state monitoring due to its “proximity to right-wing extremism.”
Now in the wake of the Correctiv report, calls for more aggressive federal action against the AfD have intensified. The leader of Germany’s United Services trade union Verdi, Frank Werneke, demanded authorities “check whether the AfD can be banned”. Vice Chancellor Baerbock said a potential ban should be “urgently examined.”
However, legal experts argue successfully banning the entire AfD party would face significant hurdles. AfD remains popular with 10-15% of German voters. Alternative measures being considered include tightening rules around state monitoring of extremist groups and speech laws against incitement of hatred.
What’s Next: Continuing Turmoil Over Immigration and Extremism
The stunning leak and ensuing national protests seem poised to deepen Germany’s political turmoil over immigration and extremism. Additional damaging revelations against the AfD may still be forthcoming as Correctiv indicates its report last week was only an “excerpt” of the information it obtained.
At the same time, the AfD is unlikely to moderate in response to criticism. Co-leader Alice Weidel instead accused media and politicians of intentionally misinterpreting the meeting to damage her party. This defiance suggests further extremist rhetoric stoking anti-immigrant sentiments will continue fueling unrest.
Looking ahead, pressure on mainstream parties to isolate and restrict the AfD’s influence will intensify. However, the AfD still commands a large minority of German voters. Successfully balancing democratic principles, limiting extremist speech, and accommodating intense polarization around immigration will remain an overriding challenge for German society in this election year.
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