Thousands of people took to the streets in cities and towns across Germany on Saturday to demonstrate against the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and its controversial position on immigration. German media reported that protesters mocked the far-right party with signs bearing messages like "Fascism is not an alternative."

The demonstrations were prompted by revelations that AfD members had held a meeting with far-right activists, where they discussed plans for mass deportations of foreigners. The news sparked outrage and led to a wave of protests across the country.

In Frankfurt, the financial hub of Germany, approximately 35,000 people answered the call to "Defend democracy - Frankfurt against the AfD" and participated in the march. In Hanover, a similar number of demonstrators carried signs that read "Nazis out." Protests were also organized in other cities such as Braunschweig, Erfurt, and Kassel, as well as numerous smaller towns. On Friday, an estimated 50,000 people gathered in Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city.

These events are part of a broader mobilization, with around 100 demonstrations planned across Germany from Friday through the weekend. Berlin is scheduled to host a protest on Sunday.

Political figures, religious institutions, and even Bundesliga coaches have called upon the public to stand against the AfD. The party's recent involvement in the meeting with far-right activists has caused concern, particularly as they are currently polling as the second-largest party in the country. This comes just months before three major regional elections in eastern Germany, where the AfD enjoys significant support.

Investigative outlet Correctiv reported on January 10 that the AfD members present at the meeting had discussed the expulsion of immigrants and non-assimilated citizens. Among the attendees was Martin Sellner, a leader of Austria's Identitarian Movement, which promotes the conspiracy theory of "the great replacement," alleging a plot by non-white migrants to replace Europe's "native" white population.

The presence of AfD members at this gathering has caused shockwaves across Germany. The party has confirmed their participation but denies endorsing the "remigration" project advocated by Sellner. Co-leader Alice Weidel distanced herself from one of her advisers who took part.

High-profile figures, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, have joined the demonstrations in recent weeks. Chancellor Scholz described any plan to deport immigrants and citizens alike as an "attack against our democracy and on all of us," urging unity, tolerance, and support for a democratic Germany.

The concerns raised by the far-right meeting have also reached the business community. Joe Kaeser, chairman of Siemens Energy's supervisory board, called the revelations "absolutely disgusting" and warned of the damage to Germany's global reputation. He urged German businesses to publicly voice their opposition to such ideas, drawing attention to the lessons from Germany's history.

As tensions rise, Germany braces itself for continued protests and discussions about the political climate ahead of the upcoming regional elections. The demonstrations are a direct response to the AfD's stance on migration, serving as a reminder of the importance of unity, democracy, and tolerance in the face of extremism.