Massive crowds gathered in Munich on Saturday, defying initial estimates that suggested fewer than 200,000 people were in attendance at a protest dubbed “Munich is multicolor.” The demonstration aimed to warn against the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) working with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), sparking concerns over the possibility of forming an alliance ahead of this month’s fraught elections.
The rally drew attention from Berlin, where 160,000 people marched in protest last weekend, and Hanover, where 24,000 people showed up to voice their opposition to the potential partnership between the CDU and AfD. The protest’s slogan, “democracy needs you,” served as a clear warning against any party collaborating with the AfD.
Germany has long maintained an unwritten rule against working with far-right groups, following the atrocities committed during World War II. However, protesters believe that the CDU may have breached this barrier by seeking support from the AfD for an anti-immigration bill in parliament.
The turnout was significantly higher than initially estimated, with organizers claiming 320,000 people attended the Munich march. Protesters carried placards criticizing CDU leader Friedrich Merz and emphasizing the importance of diversity, human dignity, and cohesion. The CDU has denied any intention to form a government with the AfD, which is currently polling second in the elections.
Source: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/europe/article/2025/02/08/200-000-march-against-far-right-in-munich_6737937_143.html