Protests erupted across Germany on Thursday in response to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) parties’ controversial cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to pass a non-binding immigration restriction motion. This unexpected alliance has triggered outrage, with many accusing the CDU/CSU of breaking a longstanding promise not to work with extremist factions.
The protests, which drew thousands to Berlin, centered around the CDU headquarters, where police estimates placed the crowd size at around 6,000—surpassing the expected 4,000, though falling short of the 13,000 claimed by organizers. The demonstrations follow a vote on Wednesday in which Friedrich Merz, the CDU/CSU chancellor candidate, worked with AfD members to push through a draft anti-immigration bill in the Bundestag, Germany’s lower house of parliament.
Organizers of the “No Cooperation With the AfD” protest, led by the alliance “Together Against the Right,” accused Merz and the CDU/CSU of normalizing right-wing extremism, which they argued has been historically shunned in German politics due to the dark legacy of the Nazis. This move has raised alarms across the political spectrum, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz from the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Green Party, and civil society groups calling it a breach of Germany’s post-war taboo against engaging with extremist parties.
While the FDP, a business-friendly party, also supported the vote, the CDU/CSU’s collaboration with AfD has led to widespread condemnation. The situation escalated when, earlier in the day, a group of 30-50 demonstrators from the “Resistance” alliance forced their way into a CDU district office in Berlin, demanding an end to the coalition with the AfD. The confrontation resulted in property damage, though no injuries were reported. Police are investigating potential violations of assembly laws related to the disturbance.
The protests weren’t limited to Berlin, with demonstrators also gathering in the eastern city of Dresden during a rally held by Merz, who is campaigning ahead of Germany’s February 23 election. Protesters in Dresden chanted slogans such as “Shame On You!” and “Friedrich Merz is a security risk for our democracy,” further underscoring the growing discontent surrounding the CDU/CSU’s alignment with the AfD.
Merz, who is now facing accusations of putting politics ahead of Germany’s democratic principles, defended his stance, claiming that the AfD’s support was necessary to pass tougher immigration laws. His decision comes in the wake of a deadly attack allegedly committed by an individual who should have been deported to Afghanistan but remained in Germany. The attack reignited debates on immigration and security, two critical issues ahead of the upcoming election.
The focus now shifts to a new round of debate on immigration reform, with the Bundestag set to discuss and vote on a more binding CDU/CSU draft migration bill this Friday. Unlike Wednesday’s motion, this new legislation would carry legal weight but still requires approval from the Bundesrat, the upper house of parliament, before it can become law.
The political situation remains tense, with protests expected to continue as the debate over Germany’s immigration policy and political future rages on. The outcome of the legislation could significantly impact the political landscape and influence the direction of the election, with both sides intensifying their rhetoric in anticipation of what comes next.
Stay ahead with the latest news on global innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, business, and tech. Join us on WhatsApp or Telegram for real-time updates. Have a report or article? Send it to report@theinnovationtimes.com.
Follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Facebook for more insights and trends.
