By Athena Papakosta

“All of us and you alone.” Tens of thousands of Germans took to the streets in more than 100 locations across the country to demonstrate against fascism. The trigger for the mass mobilizations is the revelations of the independent German investigative media “Correctiv”, on January 10, about the secret meeting, last November, in a hotel, of neo-Nazis and executives of the far-right “Alternative for Germany” (AfD), where it was presented plan for mass deportations of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and foreigners who have been naturalized as Germans.

“I fear that my children will grow up in an undemocratic Germany.”

“I remember what happened and I never want it to happen again. May the Nazis, the far-right, the fascists never come to power again – in any form.”

“All together against fascism”.

“I’m here to show that the silent majority is no longer silent.”

The above are some of what demonstrators said to foreign news agencies that covered the massive demonstrations in a Germany that shows reflexes against hate speech and declares that the far right is not an alternative, but democracy was and remains a solution.

“Right-wing extremists are attacking our democracy. They want to destroy our social cohesion. In a secret conference, these extremists discussed how they can expel millions of people from our country,” stressed German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, denouncing the far-right’s plans and calling on the citizens of his country to protect democracy.

Already, the Bundestag had voted in favor of the new citizenship legislation, which accelerates the acquisition of German citizenship, and the German chancellor made it clear: “I want to tell everyone that you are part of us, our country needs you.”

Among the demonstrators who over the weekend drowned out the atmosphere with their voices were politicians, representatives of the Church and even coaches of the German football league of the Bundesliga. Everyone was calling on the people to stand up to the far-right with the voices calling for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to be outlawed growing in number and categorically rejecting Hitler’s nostalgia.

The AfD, however, is recording a frightening rise in the opinion polls as it is now – at the national level – the second strongest party with the majority of the German people declaring themselves disappointed and dissatisfied with the three-party coalition government of Olaf Scholz, which seems to be fighting for its survival by choosing the frontal attack on the far right.

The country is in the most unfavorable economic situation perhaps since the time of reunification and the AfD is making sure to take advantage of the fact, having already set a bow for victory in the European elections in June, but also in the important electoral contests in Saxony, Thuringia and Brandenburg next September with a dream… in 2025 to rule Germany.

However, in the shadow of the country’s Nazi past the debate over his ban is opening with the Left, in particular, deeming it imperative and others expressing fear that such a decision might further strengthen support for him.