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Germany: Berlin Erupts In Protest Against Immigration Bill Backed By Far-Right Afd

Over 160,000 people protested in Berlin against a controversial immigration bill supported by conservative leader Friedrich Merz and the AfD. Protesters opposed collaboration with the far-right and voiced strong opposition.

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Germany: Berlin Erupts In Protest Against Immigration Bill Backed By Far-Right Afd

Thousands of protesters had gathered in Berlin on Sunday to protest against a controversial immigration bill backed by Germany’s opposition conservatives and the far-right Alternative for Germany. According to the Berlin police, the protest held near the Brandenburg Gate and the Bundestag attracted some 160,000 people.

The bill by CDU/CSU conservative leader Friedrich Merz aims at limiting immigration rights while restricting the rights of refugees with regard to reunification of the family. Already supported by far-right opposition group AfD, the idea received criticism by part of Friedrich’s own faction because of concerns they have to engage with extreme politicians. The bill did not receive a majority vote in the Bundestag on Friday and was thus another blow to the credibility of Merz as a candidate for chancellor by the CDU/CSU in the national election slated for February 23.

Protesters gathered in Berlin and across other German cities, including Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Leipzig, holding banners that read, “We are the firewall, no cooperation with the AfD” and “Merz, go home, shame on you!” They voiced opposition to the idea of working with the far-right AfD, a party under surveillance by Germany’s security services.

While the draft bill enjoys support from two-thirds of the German public, Merz’s stance has been criticized by the left-wing Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens. They argue that the proposed law would not address public safety concerns and violates European human rights standards.

The increasing pressure comes both from within his own party and among the German population against Merz, who defended the bill as a response to crimes committed by people with an immigrant background.