Berlin, Feb 01 (V7N) — Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the headquarters of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) on Thursday, protesting against the party’s alleged cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

The protest was sparked by a controversial draft bill proposing stricter immigration laws, introduced by CDU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz in the German parliament. The bill passed with the support of the AfD, triggering widespread outrage.

Organizers of the protest claimed that 13,000 people joined the demonstration, while police estimated the crowd at around 6,000. The rally was called by the activist group "Alliance Against the Right," which has strongly opposed any collaboration with the AfD.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the CDU, arguing that working with the far right violates a long-standing political agreement in Germany. Following World War II, major political parties agreed never to cooperate with extremist factions to prevent a resurgence of nationalist movements.

The Green Party, human rights organizations, and churches have also condemned the CDU's actions, warning that such alliances threaten Germany’s democratic values.

Despite the backlash, Merz has defended the bill, insisting it addresses growing concerns over immigration policy. However, protesters remain firm in their stance, chanting slogans and holding banners denouncing any political alignment with the AfD.

The demonstration highlights deep divisions in German politics, with tensions over immigration and far-right influence continuing to shape the country’s political landscape.

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