Concerns over a potential softening of the political establishment’s stance toward Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) brought citizens to the streets in Bavaria. Approximately 80 people gathered in Passau to protest against possible cooperation agreements between the European People’s Party (EPP) and the populist party in the European Parliament.
The demonstrators, organized under the “Passau Alliance for Democracy and Diversity,” carried signs with unambiguous messages. “No cooperation with right-wing extremists” and “Clueless? Take responsibility, Mr. Weber!” read some of the placards, according to Bavarian Broadcasting reports. The protest was directly aimed at EPP chairman Manfred Weber, who was holding a campaign event in the city at the same time.
Weber responded to the accusations with a firm statement. “The firewall stands,” the CSU politician assured, referencing the long-standing position of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union, which rejects any collaboration with the AfD. The EPP, the largest group in the European Parliament, has recently engaged in internal discussions about pragmatic cooperation on specific policy matters.
For the protesters, such rhetorical assurances are insufficient. They fear that behind-the-scenes arrangements might already be underway, potentially undermining democratic foundations. The Passau demonstration reflects a broader debate unfolding across Germany and Europe about how to engage with right-wing populist and extremist forces.
With European Parliament elections approaching in June, this question has gained urgency. Many citizens are watching closely to see whether established parties will maintain their principles in the face of potential power shifts within the parliament. Weber’s appearance in Passau illustrates how deeply this issue resonates in Bavaria’s political landscape—and how sensitively voters react to any suggestion of rapprochement.
What began as a local protest has taken on European dimensions. The coming weeks will reveal whether the so-called “firewall” truly holds or whether tactical considerations in Brussels lead to unexpected alliances.
Passau Alliance for Democracy and Diversity
Teilnehmer — Br
