Germany’s unprecedented demonstrations against the far right could re-engage the electorate
Historic demonstrations against the far right in Germany have captured the attention of the nation, with over 2 million people participating in more than 500 rallies across the country since mid-January. This surpasses the previous record set in 1992, when nearly 1.5 million individuals protested against increasing racist violence towards immigrants, mainly in western metropolises such as Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin. However, what sets these recent demonstrations apart is their dispersion into small and medium-sized towns, particularly in the eastern provinces where the far right has a significant presence. Even municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents have seen more than 10% of their population take to the streets in recent weeks, marking an unprecedented level of engagement.
The trigger for these demonstrations can be traced back to a revelation made on January 10 by investigative website Correctiv. The report exposed a secret meeting in which the founder of the Austrian identitarian movement presented a remigration plan to leaders of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The controversial plan aimed to deport millions of immigrants settled in Germany, as well as German citizens of foreign origin, to North Africa. This revelation sparked astonishment and outrage among the German population, further fueling the momentum behind the demonstrations.
However, the swift and widespread mobilization of protesters is not merely a response to the shocking revelations. It is also rooted in the foundations laid by numerous collectives that have formed across Germany, particularly in the east, in recent years. These collectives have been actively fighting against the rise of the far right, often in the face of indifference. Some groups emerged as a direct response to local incidents, like the We Are More initiative, which originated in Chemnitz (Saxony) in 2018 as a reaction to anti-migrant activities and later spread to other regions. Others, such as the Grandmothers Against the Far Right, started in Austria after the right-wing populist Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ) entered the government in 2017. It subsequently evolved into a network spanning over 70 German cities the following year.
Experts on social movements have differing views regarding the longevity and impact of these demonstrations. Some believe that, like previous waves of anti-far-right protests, the current movement will lose momentum within a few weeks. They point to past examples, such as the 2018 protests in Berlin under the banner of Indivisible, which drew 250,000 participants but failed to translate that energy into tangible results. However, other researchers argue that the circumstances surrounding these recent demonstrations make them more likely to endure. With the upcoming European elections in June, regional elections in September in three eastern provinces where the AfD is leading, and parliamentary elections in 2025 where the far right could become the second-largest force in the Bundestag, the threat posed by the far right has never felt more real, and the need to counter it more urgent.
The ongoing demonstrations not only signify a rebuke of the far right but also provide an opportunity to engage the electorate. It is a chance for individuals to voice their concerns and actively participate in shaping Germany’s political landscape. The far right’s prominence and the potential consequences it poses have resonated with citizens across the country, prompting widespread mobilization. As Germany faces crucial elections on both regional and national levels, the demonstrations may serve as a catalyst for political change, breathing new life into a politically disengaged electorate.
In conclusion, Germany’s unprecedented demonstrations against the far right have sparked a wave of activism that extends beyond the usual urban centers. The revelations of a remigration plan and the growing threat of the far right have mobilized millions of Germans from all walks of life. While experts debate the long-term impact of these demonstrations, their significance in re-engaging the electorate cannot be ignored. As Germany braces itself for upcoming elections, the demonstrations may mark a turning point in the fight against the far right and the pursuit of a more inclusive and tolerant society.
