Berlin, Sunday, saw over a hundred thousand people take to the streets in protest against the joint voting agreements of the Union with the AfD in the Bundestag. According to police estimates, 160,000 people participated in the demonstration, with the organizers claiming a turnout of 250,000. The large-scale protest, organized by Campact, among others, began in the afternoon with a kickoff event on the Reichstag lawn, where the SPD leadership was also present. The placards carried slogans, primarily targeting CDU leader Friedrich Merz, such as “Fritz, stop Mom” “That’s probably a bad Merz” or “No Merz in February.”
Speakers at the event included the former CDU member and publicist Michel Friedmann, as well as climate activist Luisa Neubauer. “We’re here because we’re against racism and antisemitism” Friedmann said. The Union had committed an “unpardonable mistake” in the joint voting on migration policy. However, one should not make it too easy for oneself by focusing solely on the CDU. It was the AfD that was driving the country forward in the wrong direction. Musical performances were provided by Nina Chuba and the singer Mine. The protesters then marched from the Reichstag lawn to the Konrad-Adenauer-House.
The organizers justified the demonstration by stating that Union candidate Merz was “making common cause with the AfD.” The Merz-Union had committed a “gigantic taboo break.” Together, the protesters aimed to set up an “unshakeable wall against right-wing extremism, hate and hostility towards people” in front of the CDU headquarters, as the call went out.