Germany Braces for Widespread Protests Against Far-Right AfD Ahead of 2025 Election
January 21, 2025Last year's protests saw unprecedented participation, with reports indicating up to 200,000 people in Munich alone, contributing to a nationwide total of around four million participants between January and March 2024.
Demonstrations and vigils aimed at defending democracy and opposing right-wing events are being organized and listed on demokrateam.org.
Community organizer Andrea van Bezouwen notes a rise in public expression against extremism, while affirming that the majority of the population remains committed to democratic values.
Neubauer also criticizes the previous government for failing to leverage the momentum from last year's mass protests to advance democratic legislation and civil society initiatives.
Even in smaller towns like Perleberg, local residents are mobilizing to promote democracy and diversity, engaging regional students and community members in their efforts.
In the lead-up to the Bundestag election on February 25, 2025, Germany is bracing for a wave of protests, particularly targeting the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Protests are not limited to Berlin; cities like Karlsruhe, Kassel, and Hamburg are also organizing large demonstrations, with significant turnouts reported over recent weekends.
During the protest, no politicians are expected to speak, although notable figures like Neubauer and 'Campact' director Christoph Bautz are scheduled to address the crowd.
Climate activist Luisa Neubauer stresses the importance of civil society standing up against the normalization of far-right ideologies, asserting that the situation is not as dire as it may seem despite the AfD's rise under Alice Weidel.
On January 25, 2025, 'Fridays for Future' and other groups are set to hold a 'Lichtermeer' event at the Brandenburg Gate to express their values and solidarity against right-wing extremism.
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