Protests against right-wing populists and extremists took place in Germany.

Participants in the protests were not only opposing the policies of the Alternative for Germany party (AfD) but also the plans of Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The CDU's chancellor candidate proposed tightening migration policies to attract voters from the AfD. He also did not rule out the possibility of making joint decisions in the Bundestag with this right-populist party.

In Berlin, the rally took place in front of the Brandenburg Gate, close to the Bundestag and the Chancellor's office. The protesters chanted, "We are a firewall against the AfD!" Some signs featured the slogan, "The Alternative for Germany is unequivocally foolish."

The demonstrators formed a "chain of lights" to protest against the rise of the AfD and other right-wing parties in Europe, as well as against the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and American billionaire Elon Musk's interference in the electoral campaign in Germany.

Musk addressed the AfD's organizational meeting via video link on Saturday, expressing his support for the party.

In Cologne, the event attracted 5,000 participants. The demonstration, titled "Five Minutes to Twelve: Loudly for Democracy," was organized by the coalition "Cologne Stands Against." It received backing from various NGOs, political parties, trade unions, and community initiatives.

Demonstrations also took place in the cities of Halle, Münster, Siegen, Karlsruhe, and Neumünster. Additional protests are scheduled for Sunday in other cities, including Hamburg.

About a year ago, thousands of rallies against right-wing extremism were held across Germany, sparked by a Correctiv network study on the AfD's plans to deport migrants and individuals with non-German roots.