Tens of thousands march across Germany to protest against far-right AfD

Live updates

1. 23h ago

   AfD Gains Pressure Ukraine Aid as Protests Continue Across Germany

   Tens of thousands of Germans are marching to oppose the far-right Alternative for Germany party following its regional election wins. The AfD is now leveraging its political strength to pressure the German government regarding aid to Ukraine. In response, Friedrich Merz has vowed to maintain support for Ukraine despite opposition from the far-right party. This internal conflict emerges as the AfD seeks allies to form a state government and attempts to integrate into formal power structures.

   Why it matters

   The AfD has built its recent momentum using messaging that mirrors Vladimir Putin. These electoral gains have raised alarms across Europe regarding political stability and the future of Germany's economic renewal.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD's election victory signals a shift in Germany and has raised alarm across Europe.
   • Friedrich Merz vowed to stand by Ukraine despite opposition from the far-right.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the AfD successfully secures allies to form a state government.
   • Changes to German military or financial aid packages for Ukraine.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. PBS — Far-right AfD win signals shift in Germany, raises alarm in Europe
   2. The Free Press — Douglas Murray: Who’s Afraid of the ‘Far Right’?
   3. The New Yorker — How to Protect Democracy
   4. Bloomberg.com — Merz Vows to Stand by Ukraine Despite Opposition From Far Right
   5. dw.com — AfD puts pressure on German aid to Ukraine
   6. jen.jiji.com — Santoro against Ranucci: "Unforgivable that he did not distance himself from Lavitola, who confessed to the attack"
   7. jen.jiji.com — Inaugurated in Strasbourg 'Just Euman', Pro Vita exhibition on embryo development
   confidence 80%
2. 2d ago

   Tens of Thousands Protest Germany's Far-Right AfD After Election

   Tens of thousands of demonstrators have marched across Germany to protest against the far-right Alternative for Germany party following its recent election triumph. The mobilization comes as the anti-systemic party seeks allies to form a state government, a breakthrough that follows gains built on messaging mirroring Vladimir Putin and raises concerns over the country's economic renewal and political stability. While major rallies voice widespread opposition, the party continues its efforts to navigate local political landscapes and establish formal governmental power after its historic regional wins.

   Why it matters

   The recent electoral victories for the far-right Alternative for Germany party have sent shockwaves through the German political establishment, challenging mainstream democratic norms. The party's anti-systemic diagnosis of contemporary Germany and its controversial messaging have complicated efforts by traditional parties to isolate them. Local polls in regions like Lower Saxony are now facing intense scrutiny as the far-right faction attempts to translate legislative gains into executive authority.

   What is confirmed

   • Tens of thousands of people marched across Germany to protest against the far-right party AfD.
   • The German far-right party AfD recently secured an election triumph and is seeking allies to form a state government.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD's recent electoral gains are directly driven by messaging that mirrors Vladimir Putin.

   What to watch next

   • Efforts by the AfD to secure coalition partners for forming a state government
   • Results and political fallout from upcoming local polls in Lower Saxony
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. The New York Times — With Messaging That Mirrors Putin’s, Germany’s Far-Right Party Gains Ground
   2. Reuters — After election triumph, German far-right seeks allies to form state government
   3. Adam Tooze | Substack — Chartbook 474: The state is the problem - the AfD’s anti-systemic diagnosis of contemporary Germany.
   4. The American Prospect — Germany’s Far Right, China, and Trump
   5. Bloomberg.com — Far-Right Win Puts Germany’s Economic Renewal on Shakier Ground
   6. aljazeera.com — Tens of thousands march across Germany to protest far-right party AfD
   7. dw.com — Germany: Lower Saxony local polls in focus after AfD win
   8. www.france24.com — The week in pictures: 9/11 anniversary, far-right win in Germany and Houthis' Yemen offensive
   confidence 90%