Thousands protest in Germany against far-right AfD
17,000 demonstrators rallied in Germany against the far-right AfD, which is now the country's most popular party and poised to win two state elections in September.
Thousands of people took to the streets in Germany over the weekend to protest against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The demonstrations were organized by the anti-AfD group Widersetzen, which reported 17,000 participants.
The AfD secured just over 20 percent of the vote in Germany's last federal election and is currently the most popular party in the country according to polls. It is expected to win two key state elections in eastern Germany this September.
Other German parties, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives, have maintained a so-called "firewall" to keep the AfD out of the federal government despite its electoral success. Some of the AfD's European ideological allies, such as France's National Rally, have also cut ties with the German far-right party, deeming it too extremist.
In a social media post, Widersetzen said: "Who's making the headlines today: US. Who's hiding in glass-walled halls: the fascists of the AfD. The demonstrations are a formidable counterforce. We're ready to stand up for social justice."
