‘Racism is not an alternative’: Tens of thousands of Germans protest against far-right AfD party

Tens of thousands of people are attending rallies across Germany against the far-right AfD party, the latest in a wave of such protests over the past two weeks.

Nearly 150,000 people have turned out in Berlin according to police, some forming a human chain in front of parliament. Organizers put the figure at 300,000.

Similar protests are taking place in around 200 other cities across the country.

The wave of mobilization against Alternative for Germany (AfD) was sparked by a January 10 report by investigative outlet Correctiv. It revealed that AfD members had discussed the expulsion of immigrants and “non-assimilated citizens” at a meeting with extremists.

The report sent shock waves across Germany at a time when the AfD is soaring in opinion polls, months ahead of three major regional elections in eastern Germany where their support is strongest.

“All together against racism,” the crowd in Berlin shouts. Some held posters that said “Heart instead of hate” or “Racism is not an alternative.”

“I don’t know if these demonstrations will influence AfD voters,” Margret Hurth, a 53-year-old childcare worker, told AFP.

“But it’s important to send a signal, because… we need more humanity and respect for our differences.”

“I came to set an example,” said Martin Raue, a university professor who had come from Sweden to attend the rally. “I was born in Germany.”

The Berlin rally was organized by the “Hand in Hand” collective, which is made up of 1,800 organizations.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the demonstrations in a post early Saturday on X, formerly Twitter.

“Numerous citizens are gathering to demonstrate again this weekend against forgetting, against hate and inciting hate. A strong sign for our democracy and our constitution,” he writes.