Massive Potsdam Rally Highlights rising tension over far-right groups
Thousands gathered in Potsdam today to protest extremism and stand against far-right ideologies. The event drew high-profile figures into the public eye, including the city’s resident leaders who often speak on national security and civic rights. The demonstration was organized by the city’s mayor, a Social Democratic Party member, in response to reports of a meeting between the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) and leading figures associated with neo-Nazi movements in Germany and Austria. The discussions reportedly included plans that would target individuals of foreign or immigrant origin, including naturalized citizens deemed not integrated into society.
Police and organizers estimated a strong turnout, with the Potsdam rally described by local officials as drawing around 10,000 participants. In parallel, a separate rally took place in Berlin, attracting a much larger crowd, with regional broadcasters estimating about 25,000 attendees. The Berlin event unfolded near a landmark site and featured broad participation from environmental groups alongside participants aligned with multiple political parties and youth climate movements. (Source: Correctiv)
Note: The Potsdam event showcased a cross-section of political leadership from social democrats and greens, as well as representatives from other major parties. The Berlin march reflected a broader coalition of environmental activists and civic groups rallying for climate and civil rights, underscoring a shared commitment to democratic norms. (Source: various local reports)
Deportation plans and political repercussions for AfD
Investigative journalism has uncovered new details about the extent of far-right collaboration. Correctiv reported last week that AfD politicians were present at a Potsdam gathering where influential far-right figures discussed deportation ideas affecting millions of residents. The reports point to a central role played by a notable Austrian participant during those conversations. Martin Sellner, a recognized leader within the Identitarian milieu, has been described as articulating a broader blueprint for ethnic reallocation that some extremists call a “comeback.”
Additionally, the inquiry identified at least two former AfD parliamentarians connected to the discussions. One named figure is Roland Hartwig, a longtime adviser to the party leader, and Alice Weidel. Another report cited Timo Chrupalla, who shares leadership duties within the party alongside Weidel, as having attended earlier meetings with similar aims. (Source: Die Zeit and investigative coverage)
The revelations have fueled renewed calls to ban the AfD, though many observers acknowledge that banning a nationwide party is a legally intricate process. Germany’s constitutional court has historically constrained party bans, often due to procedural grounds or doubts about a party’s actual capacity to pursue unconstitutional goals. Earlier cases, including the attempted ban of the National Democratic Party (NPD), illustrate the challenges: the court rejected cases anchored in informant-provided testimony and later deemed the NPD too marginal to threaten the constitutional order. (Source: court records and reporting)
The current political landscape differs in several key respects. The AfD holds seats in the federal Bundestag and in 14 of Germany’s 16 states, making it a persistent force in national and regional debates. Polls have shown the party maintaining second place in national voting intentions and stronger support in eastern regions, where upcoming regional elections are scheduled for September. These dynamics keep the AfD at the center of a contentious dialog about national identity, immigration, and the limits of political expression within a constitutional framework. (Source: public polling and official election data)