🇩🇪 Germany: Thousands in Berlin, Cologne Protest AfD Before Feb 23 Election; Rise of Europe Far Rt, Trump Admin
'Thousands in Germany protest the rise of the far right ahead of next month’s election,' AP, Jan. 25, 2025.
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BERLIN (AP) — Tens of thousands of Germans on Saturday protested in Berlin and other cities against the rise of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the Feb. 23 general election.
At Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, a huge crowd blew whistles, sang anti-fascist songs and carried banners denouncing AfD. Activists said they hoped the rally also would draw attention to other far-right parties in Europe and the new administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Those who fuel racism and attack climate protection are not just campaigning, they are endangering lives,” Luisa Neubauer with the Fridays for Future climate group told the crowd, which police estimated at 35,000. Police estimated the crowd at the Cologne rally at 40,000.
Europe’s largest economy has been shaken after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed late last year in a dispute over how to revitalize amid stagnation.
Saturday’s protests took place while AfD opened its election campaign in the central city of Halle, where party leader Alice Weidel, AfD’s candidate for chancellor, spoke to about 4,500 people.
Weidel has the backing of Elon Musk, who addressed the rally remotely. His open support has caused an uproar in Germany...
https://apnews.com/article/germany-afd-protests-farright-elections-b318328d080b026424137653513e37ac