dw.com
Germany: Mass Protests Against Rightward Shift in Politics
Widespread protests erupted across Germany on January 30th and 31st, 2025, against the CDU/CSU's stricter immigration policies, passed with AfD's support, drawing condemnation from various political figures and sparking demonstrations in numerous cities with thousands of participants.
- What is the immediate impact of the CDU/CSU's stricter immigration policy resolution on German society?
- Thousands across Germany protested against the rightward shift in German politics, triggered by a CDU/CSU resolution to tighten immigration policies, passed with the support of the AfD party, partially classified as far-right by German intelligence. The CDU's acceptance of AfD's support, especially from their chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, drew widespread criticism from figures like Angela Merkel and Holocaust survivors. This sparked widespread demonstrations across Germany.
- How did the AfD's involvement in the passing of the resolution contribute to the widespread protests across Germany?
- The protests, featuring slogans like "Build a firewall", highlight deep concerns about the CDU's alliance with the AfD. Major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Dortmund saw thousands participating, with police reporting attendance ranging from 2,000 to 11,000. The CDU's proposed stricter immigration policies, including border controls and detention centers, fueled the opposition, with counter-protests from the SPD, Greens, and Left party.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of the CDU's reliance on the AfD for political support on immigration policy?
- The protests signal a potential turning point in German politics, exposing fractures within the CDU and raising questions about the future of the country's asylum policy. The CDU's reliance on the AfD to push through restrictive immigration policies could alienate voters, potentially impacting future elections and shaping long-term political alliances. The scale of these protests underscores the deep division within Germany about the direction of its immigration policies.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the scale and intensity of the protests against the CDU/CSU and AfD's collaboration. The descriptions of large crowds and prominent figures participating in the demonstrations are strategically placed throughout the text to amplify the opposition's stance. Headlines and repeated references to the "firewall" metaphor frame the protests as a crucial defense against a perceived threat, reinforcing a negative perception of the CDU/CSU's actions and the AfD's involvement.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "skręcaniu niemieckiej polityki w prawo" (swinging German politics to the right) and descriptions of AfD as "częściowo skrajnie prawicowa" (partially far-right), which carry negative connotations. While this might be factual, the use of such language influences the reader's perception. Neutral alternatives could include "shift towards a more conservative stance" and descriptions of AfD's political positions without explicitly labeling them as far-right.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the protests against the CDU/CSU and AfD's collaboration, providing numerous details on the size and locations of demonstrations. However, it omits perspectives from supporters of the stricter migration policies. While acknowledging criticism from Merkel, church representatives, and Holocaust survivors, it doesn't offer counterarguments or perspectives from those who favor the CDU/CSU's approach. This omission creates an unbalanced portrayal of public opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the situation as a simple opposition between those protesting against stricter migration policies and the CDU/CSU and AfD. It simplifies a complex issue by neglecting the nuances of public opinion and the various arguments for and against the proposed changes. The portrayal suggests only two clear-cut positions, ignoring potential middle grounds or more moderate perspectives.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights protests against a shift towards right-wing politics in Germany, specifically criticizing the CDU/CSU party's collaboration with the AfD, a party labeled as partially far-right by German intelligence. This collaboration and the proposed tightening of immigration policies raise concerns about the erosion of democratic norms, human rights, and the rule of law. The large-scale protests themselves demonstrate a pushback against these perceived threats to democratic institutions and justice.