Left-wing extremists infiltrated the headquarters of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Hanover during protests against the party’s cooperation with the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD).
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According to police reports, the protesters breached the premises, accessed the balconies of the villa housing the headquarters, and lit flares while displaying banners criticizing the CDU. Law enforcement officials are currently working to prevent further illegal actions by the extremists.
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The protests come amid widespread demonstrations across Germany, targeting CDU offices in major cities.
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These demonstrations were sparked by the German Bundestag’s recent adoption of a resolution, introduced by the CDU/CSU faction, to tighten the country’s migration policies. The resolution passed by a narrow margin, with 348 votes in favor and 345 against. The decisive support from the AfD faction drew sharp criticism from other parties opposed to drastic changes in migration policy.
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the adoption of the migration policy plan with AfD support as a “bad sign” for the country. The CDU/CSU had previously adhered to a strategy known as the “Brandmauer”(firewall), which involved boycotting all AfD initiatives and refusing any form of cooperation with the right-wing party.
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However, on January 24, AfD co-leader Alice Weidel declared a “breakthrough of the Brandmauer,” citing shared goals with the CDU/CSU to strengthen migration controls following a deadly migrant attack in Aschaffenburg, which resulted in the deaths of a child and an adult.
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The incident in Hanover highlights the deepening political tensions in Germany over migration policy and the controversial collaboration between the CDU and the AfD.
