Tens of Thousands Protest Far-Right AfD Ahead of Germany Elections

Tens of thousands of Germans protested against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in cities like Berlin and Cologne, just weeks before the scheduled elections on February 23, 2025. The demonstrations were marked by slogans denouncing the AfD and calls for a 'firewall' against cooperation with the party, which is gaining momentum in pre-election polls. In Berlin, the protest at the Brandenburg Gate transformed into a 'sea of light' as participants illuminated their phones and called for unity against rising extremism. The AfD's recent election campaign launch coincided with the demonstrations, and party leader Alice Weidel has capitalized on a recent tragedy to rally support for stricter immigration policies. Friedrich Merz, leader of the center-right CDU/CSU bloc, faces pressure to maintain a stance against the AfD while proposing his own tough immigration measures. The political climate remains tense, with concerns about the AfD's potential influence on German policy post-election.