The demonstration follows recent reports of politicians from the Alternative for Germany (AFD) party meeting in a villa in Potsdam in November, where discussions included the “repatriation” of millions of migrants from Germany to their countries of origin. Some members of the CDU and Werteunion, a conservative group within the CDU, also attended the meeting.
In Potsdam, the city's mayor, Mike Schubert, of the Social Democratic Party, called for a demonstration. “These plans remind us of the darkest chapter in German history,” Schubert said. “That's why it's time to show our true colors and defend democracy.” According to Schubert, the protest attracted 10,000 people.
The demonstrators carried posters bearing slogans such as “Potsdam is colorful” and “We are stuck together.” In addition to local politicians, participants also included Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Social Democratic Party) and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Green Party). “I stand here as one of thousands of Potsdam residents who defend democracy and against fascism old and new,” Baerbock said.
In the capital, Berlin, countless people took to the streets against the far right. According to organizers, about 25,000 demonstrators passed through the Brandenburg Gate, while local media estimated the number at 8,000. Tagesschau The atmosphere was “peaceful” and many families participated.
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