A significant protest unfolded in Berlin on Sunday as thousands gathered outside the Bundestag to oppose a proposed immigration crackdown. Police counted at least 20,000 demonstrators at the official start time of 3:45 pm, with more people joining throughout the afternoon.
The protests emerged in response to Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz’s decision to work with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on immigration policy. This move broke Germany’s long-held practice of avoiding cooperation with far-right parties at the national level. The partnership developed after police arrested an Afghan man following a knife attack on kindergarten children last week.
Protesters, organized by groups including the left-wing NGO Campact, carried signs reading “We are the firewall, no cooperation with the AfD” and “Merz, go home, shame on you!” Their demonstration targeted Merz, who is expected to be a leading candidate in Germany’s February 23 national election.
The proposed bill would tighten border controls and restrict immigration, including limits on family reunifications for certain refugees. While polls show two-thirds of Germans support stricter immigration rules, the bill’s connection to the AfD has drawn criticism, including from former Chancellor Angela Merkel, who said it contradicts the party’s principles.
Merz faced a setback on Friday when he failed to gain enough support for the bill in the Bundestag’s lower house, with several CDU members voting against it. This highlighted divisions within the party over working with the AfD.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens oppose the measures, arguing they wouldn’t prevent violent attacks and might violate EU law. Critics say the proposed restrictions could conflict with European human rights standards.
The debate over this immigration bill has become an important issue ahead of Germany’s election, raising questions about immigration policy and political cooperation with far-right parties. Sunday’s demonstration showed that many Germans are concerned about these developments, though the full impact on the upcoming election remains to be seen.