Demonstrations for AfD ban: Tens of thousands are calling for clear edge!

Demonstrations for AfD ban: Tens of thousands are calling for clear edge!

On May 11, 2025, several demonstrations took place in North Rhine-Westphalia, which demanded a ban on the alternative for Germany (AfD). An alliance of over 50 organizations had called for these protests nationwide. A total of more than 60 cities in Germany were affected by the protest actions that were "AfD ban now as part of the action day!" were carried out. The highest number of participants was recorded in Bochum, with around 1,500 people, while around 400 and around 500 demonstrators came together in Dortmund. In Witten around 200 people took part in the rally.

Demos were also planned in Cologne and Aachen, but the demonstration train in Essen was left behind the expectations. There were 5,000 participants registered there, but in fact only several hundred appeared. The situation in Essen was described by a DPA reporter as modest, while other reports of around 2,500 demonstrators spoke.

nationwide protests against right -wing extremism

The demonstrations were a clear signal against right -wing extremism. In Munich, for example, around 3,000 people came onto the street, including 2,500 in the Bavarian capital. Around 800 participants were counted in Berlin at the beginning of the central rally, although the organizers had expected 5,000. In Freiburg and other cities of Baden-Württemberg, several hundred people also took to the streets.

Jana Häfner, press spokeswoman for "Fridays for Future", emphasized the need to use the means of the rule of law to defend democracy. In this context, the Federal Constitutional Protection found at the beginning of May that the AfD was classified as "secured right -wing extremist". However, this new classification was contested by an urgent request from the AfD, so that it remains classified as a suspected case for the time being.

political reactions and points of view

In the political debate about dealing with the AfD, opinions differ. While the Greens and Leftists are calling for a ban on the party, CDU general secretary Carsten Linnemann notes that a prohibition procedure is difficult and time-consuming. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasizes that the causes of the rise of the AfD must be combated in order to achieve long -term success.

CSU boss Markus Söder does not support a ban because he fears the establishment of new right-wing parties. In contrast, SPD parliamentary group leader Matthias Miersch sees a ban as an option and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil demands a quick exam. Constitutional law Christian Waldhoff points out that the mere classification is not sufficient as "secured right -wing extremist" to enforce a ban; A proof is that the AfD actively acts against the free democratic basic order.