Germany: Protests erupt in 11 cities demanding AfD ban

Approximately 10,000 people participated in protests across 11 German cities to demand the banning of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The demonstrations were organized by the “Prüf” initiative, which advocates for the Federal Constitutional Court to investigate political parties classified as “suspicious” or “confirmed right-wing extremists” by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

Protesters are calling for constitutional intervention to protect democratic order and human rights, citing the party's rising popularity in polls as a growing societal concern. The “Prüf” initiative, founded by activist Nico Semsrott, is specifically urging state governments to initiate the legal process through the Federal Council to have the court review the party's activities.

Recent polling indicates a significant shift in the political landscape, with the AfD reaching a 29% vote share, leading the CDU/CSU at 21%. This rise coincides with declining trust in the state, with 79% of the population believing the government is inadequate.