Tens of thousands marched in Berlin to protest what they see as a breach of post-war political norms after the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) sought votes from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on an immigration resolution.
Protesters Condemn CDU’s Engagement with AfD
Organizers accused CDU leader Friedrich Merz of violating Germany’s unwritten rule against collaborating with far-right parties. The demonstrations, held just three weeks before national elections, drew 160,000 participants, according to police reports.
Demonstrators marched from the Bundestag to CDU headquarters, urging democratic parties to reject AfD’s influence. Anna Schwarz, a 34-year-old protester, stated, “We can no longer look away.”
Political Fallout Ahead of Elections
Despite CDU’s lead in pre-election polls, Merz’s strategy faced backlash, including from former Chancellor Angela Merkel. She accused him of breaking his pledge not to work with AfD.
Merz defended his approach, saying, “A right decision doesn’t become wrong just because the wrong people support it.” He insisted that he did not actively seek AfD’s backing.
Meanwhile, CDU’s immigration bill, which aimed to limit family reunifications, narrowly failed in parliament (350-338).
Growing Concerns Over Germany’s Political Future
With AfD currently polling in second place, critics fear that any cooperation—even indirect—could normalize far-right influence in mainstream politics. The debate over immigration and democratic values is set to dominate the final weeks of the election campaign.