German far-right party protests against energy crisis

BERLIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 08: Thousands of supporters of the far-right AfD (Alternative for Germany) on Saturday (Oct. 8) marched in Berlin’s city center to protest against the government’s energy policy. Under the motto "Energy security and protection against inflation - our country first", the AfD is hoping to instrumentalize the energy crisis and surging inflation rate for ongoing protests in the coming months to attract more potential voters. According to Berlin’s RBB broadcasting network, demonstrators could be seen carrying German and Russian flags as well far-right symbols. They also held up posters with slogans like “stop government madness” and “ yes to nuclear power”. Protesters demanded also the resignation of the center-left coalition government comprised of the Social Democrats, Greens and the Free Democrats, branding it the “enemies of the state”. Meanwhile, hundreds of mainly leftist counter-demonstrators took also to the streets in Berlin’s government district to voice their protest against the AfD demonstration. They accused the AfD of politically exploiting the rising cost for energy and food. While hundreds of police were deployed to keep both sides away from one another, there were reports of minor skirmishes.(Footage by Erbil Başay/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)