January 27, 2024, 1:46 p.m. GMT
Updated 1 hour ago
On the occasion of Holocaust Remembrance Day in his country, Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his concerns about the rise in right-wing extremism.
He warned of “neo-Nazis and their dark networks” and called for the fight against racism and anti-Semitism.
Thousands marched in Düsseldorf on Saturday at the latest as part of a series of protests against the extreme right.
They follow reports that high-ranking AfD officials took part in discussions about the deportation of citizens of foreign origin.
Germany is grappling with a debate over whether to ban far-right political parties.
In a recorded speech to mark the 79th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp by Soviet troops, he said: “New reports are constantly emerging: about neo-Nazis and their dark networks. At the same time, right-wing populists are also gaining ground, stirring up fear and sowing hatred.”
“But we don’t just have to accept this development,” said Scholz, calling on Germans to stand against the extreme right and protect German democracy.
“Our country is on its feet right now. Millions of citizens are taking to the streets to demand democracy, respect and humanity for each other. Because that's what it's all about. It is the solidarity of the Democrats that makes our democracy strong.” . Showing this confidently in public – as is happening now – is good.”
Mr Scholz also welcomed the landmark decision to cut funding for the radical right-wing party Die Heimat.
On Wednesday, the German Constitutional Court ruled that the party should be banned from receiving further government funding and tax breaks that German parties legally receive.
The ruling also marks the first time that Germany has cut state financial support to a party without banning it.
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Thousands of people took to the streets in the city of Düsseldorf to protest against right-wing extremism
Widespread demonstrations against right-wing extremism erupted in Germany after it emerged that high-ranking representatives of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party had attended a meeting that allegedly discussed mass deportations of citizens of foreign origin.
Protesters hope Wednesday's ruling will serve as a model for dealing with growing support for the AfD, which is in second place in the polls at over 20%.
In three eastern German states where important regional elections will take place later this year, surveys also show it at just over 30% for the first time.