Massive protests have erupted in cities across Germany, gaining momentum as demonstrators call for a ban on the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party over revelations about plans to deport migrants. Tens of thousands braved freezing temperatures to voice their opposition, with up to 35,000 assembling in Frankfurt under the banner “Defend democracy – Frankfurt against the AfD.”
The protests, also observed in cities like Hanover, Stuttgard, Dortmund, and Nuremberg, have drawn attention to reports that senior AfD members discussed a “master plan” for mass deportations during a private meeting in November 2023. The secretive gathering involved AfD members, neo-Nazis, and far-right extremists.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in a video message, praised the protests as “good and right,” expressing empathy for the millions with a history of migration affected by the deportation plans.
The controversy revolves around the revelation that the AfD considered a plan for the mass deportation of German asylum-seekers and citizens of foreign origin. While the AfD denies it’s part of their policy, the private meeting has triggered widespread outrage and comparisons to the Nazi era.
The protests serve as a crucial response, with demonstrators holding signs like “Nazis out” and expressing concerns about the dark historical echoes of such plans. The AfD’s proposal has also prompted discussions about the potential unconstitutionality of the party, given Germany’s constitutional stance against groups seeking to undermine the “free democratic basic order.”
While German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck acknowledges the potential challenges of outlawing the AfD, he emphasizes the need for any legal action to be robust and watertight. Public backlash against the AfD becomes pivotal, especially as the party sees record-high polling and anticipates significant gains in upcoming regional elections.
As Germany grapples with the aftermath of these revelations, protests continue to send a resounding message against right-wing extremism and to defend the principles of democracy and human rights. Stay tuned for updates on the evolving situation and potential legal actions against the AfD.
