Thousands Protest in Germany as Far-Right AfD Sets Sights on Power

Global news from Germany: Thousands of protesters took to the streets across the country as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party continues its surge toward power, sparking fears of a political shift in Europe's largest economy.

Demonstrators gathered in Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, waving banners that read "Never Again" and "AfD is Not an Alternative," as the party's leadership held a closed-door strategy meeting in Potsdam.

The AfD, polling at its highest levels since its founding in 2013, has capitalized on voter anger over immigration, the Ukraine war, and energy costs. Critics warn the party's rise threatens Germany's democratic institutions.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for a "firewall" against the far-right, but coalition infighting and the country's economic struggles have made the AfD a viable force.

--- Related Stories: WORLD | EUROPE | BREAKING NEWS | GLOBAL NEWS Tags: world, europe, breaking-news, global-news, germany-news Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, AFP. Updated on July 05, 2026.