Protests Against the Right: Tens of Thousands Take to the Streets in Saxony
In a powerful display of unity and determination, tens of thousands of people in Saxony took to the streets on Sunday to express their protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The demonstrations, driven by a wave of support for democracy, spanned across the entire region, including Dresden and ten other cities in Saxony.
The Scale of the Protests
Various cities in Saxony witnessed an overwhelming turnout of demonstrators:
- In Leipzig, thousands of people gathered on the Johannisplatz. The immense crowd led to the conclusion of the final rally at Augustusplatz, which was then relocated to the approximately one-hectare Johannisplatz due to the sheer numbers.
- In Chemnitz, where 12,000 people according to the police (compared to the infamous 2018 neo-Nazi marches) and 200 participants according to the organizers gathered at the Karl-Marx-Head (“Nischel”).
- In Görlitz, over 2,000 individuals took to the streets. This city holds significance as it is the constituency of AfD chairman Tino Chrupalla. Minister-President Michael Kretschmer received applause for his impassioned speech.
- Pirna witnessed a demonstration of 1,000 protesters, shortly after the election of the first AfD mayor.
- Demonstrations were also held in Radeberg, Döbeln, and Torgau.
AfD, which has often been allowed to create the impression that they alone represent the true will of “the people,” is now receiving its lesson on the streets.
A Strong Message for Democracy
The ongoing demonstrations throughout Germany are not only an encouraging sign but also a somber reminder of the troubling times that necessitate such actions. People from all walks of life are taking to the streets, resolute in countering the blue-brown delusions of power. The exposure of deportation fantasies has awakened the entire nation. The message from the protesters is clear: they refuse to accept a nationalist brew that dehumanizes and attacks anyone who does not fit their narrow criteria based on “German blood.” It is high time to challenge these ideologies.
The demonstrations of these hundreds of thousands of people are a testament to the fact that there are many, very many supporters of democracy in this country.
Time to Take Action
Change can still be achieved through the ballot boxes. The upcoming elections, whether at municipalities, regional, or European level, play a crucial role in defending the country against the AfD. Even if the AfD were to receive one-third of the votes in Saxony, as predicted by some polls, they would still face opposition from two-thirds of the electorate.
“Dictatorships can only be fought before they come into power,” as the renowned writer Erich Kästner, who also endured the darkest days of the Nazi regime in Germany, warned.
Germany is now witnessing a powerful movement against far-right extremism. The sustained momentum of these protests showcases a vibrant democracy that refuses to tolerate hate speech, discrimination, and xenophobia. Across Saxony, tens of thousands of people are raising their voices, demonstrating their commitment to a pluralistic and inclusive society.
