A renewed wave of protests against right-wing extremism is set to take place across Germany, led by organizations like Campact and ‘Fridays for Future.’ While initial estimates expected around 2,000 participants, the anticipated turnout has surged to 10,000 at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Concerns about democracy and the rise of right-wing figures have fueled this movement. Organizers emphasize the urgency for decisive action against extremist networks as protests aim to challenge indifference amid approaching federal elections.
One year ago, hundreds of thousands rallied against the rise of right-wing extremism. This weekend, protests are set to unfold across various cities once again. What can we expect from these demonstrations, and what might the aftermath hold?
The movement began modestly, with the organizers initially anticipating just 2,000 participants for the ‘Sea of Lights against the Right Turn.’ Spearheaded by the campaign organizations Campact, ‘Fridays for Future,’ and ‘Parents Against the Right,’ the expectations have since skyrocketed to around 10,000 attendees at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The rally’s powerful theme: ‘We stand together.’
Christoph Bautz from Campact highlights a growing concern for democracy, particularly following Donald Trump’s election in the United States. This anxiety is intensified by the potential rise of right-wing extremist Herbert Kickl in Austria and the AfD’s surging popularity in Germany.
‘In challenging times like these, civil society must refuse to succumb to powerlessness or despair. We will not grant right-wing extremists the satisfaction of our inaction. When darkness surrounds us, we will illuminate the way,’ Bautz asserts.
In addition to Berlin, demonstrations are also planned in Cologne and numerous smaller towns throughout Germany. However, the organizers are cautious, predicting that the turnout may not match last year’s impressive numbers.
Reflecting on Last Year’s Protests
Looking back at the early months of 2024, hundreds of thousands united in protest against right-wing extremism in Germany. The catalyst for this outcry was a report by Correctiv detailing a gathering of right-wing extremists, AfD members, and business leaders in Potsdam, where discussions centered on the mass expulsion of individuals with migration backgrounds from Germany.
The public’s outrage was palpable, prompting many first-time demonstrators to join the cause, including Manuela from Munich. ‘It is crucial for our children and grandchildren to live in a democracy and freedom,’ she expressed during the rallies.
Anticipating a turnout of 25,000 for the demonstration on January 21, 2024, the event unexpectedly attracted 100,000 participants, leading to its early dissolution due to overcrowding. Similar scenarios played out in various cities across the nation. Concurrently, smaller gatherings advocating for democracy and opposing right-wing extremism took place in numerous towns over several weeks.
The significant momentum against right-wing extremism persists in cities across Germany today.
What Lies Ahead for the Protest Movement?
According to Alexander Leistner, a protest researcher from the University of Leipzig, parallels can be drawn to the current situation, though it’s premature to predict the trajectory of the upcoming demonstrations. ‘What’s notable is the resurgence of widespread calls for protests. The turnout remains to be seen, but a large demonstration this weekend in Berlin could create a ripple effect,’ he notes.
Christoph Bautz from Campact explains that protest movements often experience cycles: ‘While the number of protesters may eventually decline, there’s potential for rapid change. I sense a fresh momentum is building, perhaps not to the same scale as last year, but there is genuine movement happening.’
However, Leistner identifies a challenge for the movement, pointing out that little political progress has occurred following last year’s mass protests. The discourse surrounding a potential ban on the AfD has emerged, but many political parties have inadvertently adopted and amplified the AfD’s themes, particularly regarding migration issues.
In Berlin, once again, tens of thousands have gathered to voice their opposition to right-wing ideologies.
Demands for Action Intensify
The organizations behind Saturday’s demonstration echo the sentiment for change. They have refined their demands to include decisive action against right-wing extremist networks, regulating the influence of major tech firms, combating online hate, and fostering social cohesion through strategic investments.
The organizers emphasize the importance of taking to the streets in the current political landscape, especially as federal elections approach. ‘Anti-democrats thrive on the indifference of those who support democracy,’ states co-organizer Luisa Neubauer from ‘Fridays for Future.’ ‘They gain ground when no one stands in their way.’
This topic was reported on January 25, 2025, at 08:26 AM by Deutschlandfunk.