15 Feb 2020 | 02:56 PM UTC
Germany: Thousands march against far-right in Erfurt (Thuringia) February 15
Several thousand march against electoral coalition with far-right February 15; heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions expected
Event
Thousands are marching in Erfurt (Thuringia) on Saturday, February 15, to protest against the Social Democratic Party (SDP) political coalition with far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD). According to a statement issued by Unteilbar - the activist group organizing the march - demonstrators were due to gather at 13:00 local time in Erfurt cathedral square.
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the protests.
Context
The protest is the latest in the fallout from a controversial vote that saw politician Thomas Kemmerich elected as state premier with votes from the FDP, Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and AFD, breaking a political taboo in Germany and causing nationwide outrage.
Advice
Individuals in Erfurt are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.