Hundreds of thousands of people in different German cities protest against AfD
More than 100,000 demonstrators gathered in many cities across Germany to protest against the far-right.
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Frankfurt, Hannover, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Kassel, Dortmund, Halle, Erfurt, Nuremberg and other cities saw more than 100,000 demonstrators gather to send a message that there is "no place for the far-right" in Germany.
THEY TOOK TO THE STREETS WITH "NAZIS SHOULD BE DEPORTED" PLACARDS
During the demonstrations, where the slogan "Defend democracy" was chanted, protesters carried placards reading "Nazis and antisemites should be deported," "Together against extremists for democracy," and "Fascism is not an alternative." At the rally in Hannover, Lower Saxony State Premier Stephan Weil called on people to take a clear stand against the far-right and to defend human rights and democracy.
North Rhine-Westphalia State Premier Hendrik Wüst, in his speech in Düsseldorf, described the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a "dangerous Nazi party."
REACTION TO AfD POLITICIANS
Demonstrators, who chanted slogans criticizing racism, xenophobia, and far-right extremism in Germany, expressed their opposition to AfD politicians.
Thomas Haldenwang, President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, stated in an interview with the Westdeutsche Zeitung newspaper, "It is desirable for the silent majority of our people to take a clear stance against extremism and antisemitism. Fortunately, many people are currently organizing demonstrations against this."
Following the leak of plans by the AfD to deport immigrants during a secret meeting, unions and civil society organizations, in particular, are calling on the public to join demonstrations against the far-right.
Many politicians and voters in Germany are expressing support for banning the AfD, which is known for its anti-foreigner and anti-Muslim stance.
The AfD is represented in the Bundestag by 78 members of parliament.