EXPLAINER-German protests against far-right head into third week
Fact: Hundreds of thousands of Germans have been protesting against right-wing extremism and the nationalist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Fact: The protests were sparked by a report that some senior AfD officials discussed policies such as mass deportation of citizens of foreign origin.
Fact: Civil society groups, mainstream parties, trade unions, and churches are organizing the protests.
Fact: The AfD has sought to distance itself from the deportation proposal and minimize the protests.
Fact: The protesters are calling for curbing support for the AfD and raising awareness of the danger it represents.
Fact: The AfD gained popularity by criticizing Angela Merkel’s open-door policy on migration, campaigning against COVID-19 lockdowns, and opposing Germany’s green transition and support for Ukraine.
Fact: The protests have had a slight impact on support for the AfD, but the party remains number two in polls.
Fact: Mainstream politicians have welcomed the protests and some have attended them.