Key Takeaways:

• Tens of thousands protested against CDU's leader Friedrich Merz for collaborating with the far-right AfD.
• Protesters view the alliance as a breach of Germany's post-Nazi political taboo.
• The protests reflect growing voter dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties regarding migration issues.

BERLIN — Over the weekend, tens of thousands of Germans took to the streets in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, and Leipzig, protesting against the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its leader Friedrich Merz for engaging with the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), on migration proposals. This unprecedented collaboration is seen as a breaking of Germany's longstanding post-Nazi political taboo against working with extreme right parties, a move that has caused outrage among many voters and has been condemned by opposition leaders, including former Chancellor Angela Merkel. Police estimates put the number of protesters in Berlin at around 160,000, with some organizers claiming attendance was over 200,000, as they rallied under banners reading “No racism” and “For democracy and diversity” AP News.

Friedrich Merz has proposed a series of nonbinding motions aimed at tightening Germany's migration policies, claiming that collaboration with the AfD was necessary to achieve a parliamentary majority on these issues. The CDU's approach comes in response to rising concerns over immigration, especially following a recent violent incident involving an asylum seeker, which has fueled public discourse on immigration Al Jazeera. However, the motions met political resistance, with one proposed bill narrowly rejected in parliament despite the CDU succeeding in passing a preliminary resolution with the AfD's backing BBC.

The protests signify the public's growing discontent with traditional parties, particularly in light of the upcoming federal election on February 23, where poll numbers show the CDU leading with around 30% support, while the AfD trails closely behind at about 20% The Guardian. Observers note that the AfD’s increasing prominence signifies a shift in the political landscape and raises concerns about the normalization of far-right rhetoric within mainstream politics India Times.

In response to the uproar and public disapproval, Merz has insisted that he will "never" cooperate with the AfD, calling them his party's most significant opponent, but his actions have already raised questions about his commitment to upholding Germany's democratic principles Los Angeles Times. He faces an uphill battle not only to regain public trust but also to navigate the CDU’s political identity in a rapidly changing environment where voters are increasingly drawn to the AfD’s promises of change.

The fallout from these recent events has implications beyond Germany, signaling potential shifts in European politics as similar sentiments may arise in other countries grappling with migration and nationalist sentiments. As the election approaches, the effectiveness of mainstream parties to reclaim the narrative will be critical in shaping the continent's political future.

For continual updates on this evolving situation, visit the original sources: The Guardian, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.