Thousands of people took to the streets in several German cities, including Berlin, on Saturday. The “Sea of Lights”in front of the Brandenburg Gate was intended to be a symbol against the “Rightward Shift”in politics and for “Decency and Respect”. The demonstration, called by the Campact organization, also targeted the CDU’s migration plans and a potential cooperation with the AfD.
Several prominent Green Party politicians were among the demonstrators. However, a selfie posted by the party’s co-leader, Franziska Brantner, on X, sparked a heated online debate. The photo shows Brantner with other Green Party leaders, including co-leader Felix Banaszak, Family Minister Lisa Paus, Bundestag Vice President Katrin Göring-Eckardt and parliamentary state secretary Michael Kellner, in the background, with climate activist Luisa Neubauer visible in the background. Brantner wrote, “100,000 people gather at the Brandenburg Gate. They protest in a time when the AfD is on the verge of its greatest electoral success and Trump is inspiring right-wing extremists worldwide. They are sending a signal against right-wing extremism and for decency and respect.”
Many commentators were outraged by the smiling faces of the politicians, which they perceived as a sign of insensitivity in the wake of the Aschaffenburg bloodshed. A user wrote, “I hope the families of the victims do not see these ridiculous selfies.”
Union politician Jan Schnellenbach wrote, “You can’t seriously pose for a selfie, laughing and winking, three days after the Aschaffenburg tragedy, all the while pretending to be concerned about the issue at hand.”
Union Bundestag member Tino Sorge commented, “This ghastly grin, three days after the Aschaffenburg murders, leaves me speechless.