On February 1, 2025, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Lower Saxony, Germany, protesting a controversial migration policy proposal backed by the Union and the AfD in the Bundestag.

While most protests remained peaceful, there were instances of unrest, including attempts to set police vehicles on fire and the use of a water cannon to extinguish flames.

Despite the controversy surrounding the CDU/CSU's recent actions, polls indicate they still hold a 30% approval rating, reflecting a complex political climate ahead of upcoming elections.

Prominent speakers at the protests included Luisa Neubauer, who criticized Merz's collaboration with the AfD, calling it a breach of democratic integrity.

In Mannheim, protesters rallied under the slogan "We are the firewall," reflecting CDU leader Friedrich Merz's pledge to avoid cooperation with the AfD.

Political analysts suggest that Merz's inability to effectively navigate the political landscape has weakened his position and mobilized opposition against him.

The protests saw significant participation, with around 3,800 individuals attending the "Singen gegen Rechts" event in Würzburg, and additional demonstrations occurring in cities like Kempten and Munich.

These protests were fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with recent parliamentary decisions perceived as a shift towards far-right ideologies, which many believe undermine democratic values.

Activists are committed to maintaining momentum for future events, advocating for social justice and ecological investment, and signaling that extremist rhetoric will be met with resistance.

During the rallies, DGB Baden-Württemberg Chair Kai Burmeister expressed concerns regarding the implications of rising right-wing extremism on civil society.

Demonstrators carried placards advocating for humane treatment and respect for asylum rights, with messages emphasizing the importance of asylum as a human right.

In Paderborn, approximately 1,200 participants demonstrated peacefully outside the CDU headquarters, contributing to the overall atmosphere of dissent.