Saalfeld, a stronghold of the extreme right in eastern Germany's Thuringia region, has become the epicenter of a growing wave of protests against far-right extremism. The town has long been home to neo-Nazis, far-right fight clubs, and symbols of the anti-democratic group, the Reichsbürger. However, a recent report revealing a clandestine meeting between neo-Nazis and members of the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) has sparked unprecedented nationwide protests, which have now reached Saalfeld.

The report, published by "Correctiv" on January 10, disclosed discussions among the participants regarding plans to expel migrants and even German nationals from immigrant families. Since the report's release, millions of protesters across Germany have taken to the streets to rally against the far-right, including over 1,000 individuals in the anti-far-right demonstration in Saalfeld.

Katharina Fritz, an activist from the youth organization of the socialist Left Party, along with other youth associations, has organized the protest in Saalfeld. Fritz expressed the need to stand up against the AfD and its rightward shift in the region. Saalfeld has a long tradition of neo-Nazi networks, and signs of extremism are still visible today, with some young people openly giving the Hitler salute.

In the mid-1990s, Saalfeld became known for the formation of the Thuringia Homeland Defense, which later spawned the infamous National Socialist Underground (NSU). The NSU carried out a series of murders, bombings, and robberies across Germany from 1999 to 2007, motivated by racism. The group had a widespread network of supporters and sympathizers, including in Saalfeld.

The protests in Saalfeld are not without risks. Threats against politicians, journalists, and demonstrators, as well as racist attacks and insults towards refugees and immigrants, are a grim reality in Thuringia. However, the demonstrations are seen as a positive sign from the democratic center of society, demonstrating courage in small and medium-sized towns to confront the AfD and right-wing extremism.

Even young conservatives in Saalfeld, represented by the youth organization of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), have started to worry about the problem of right-wing extremism. The Junge Union has joined the call for action, and members of the left-wing Antifa have also shown their support, despite ideological differences. Both groups agree that when it comes to fundamental questions of democracy and decency, the red lines must be drawn against the AfD.

Despite the encouraging protests, some experts are uncertain about the sustainability and success of the fight against anti-democracy and racism in Saalfeld. They emphasize that the commitment shown in the demonstrations should also be translated into a commitment to democratic culture on a local level, through initiatives and associations in the pre-political sphere.

As the rain ceased, approximately 1,500 Saalfeld residents ended the protest by dancing in an attempt to fight off the cold, demonstrating unity and resilience in the face of far-right extremism. This rally serves as a powerful symbol of resistance, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, including young conservatives, Antifa supporters, families, church members, cultural workers, and ordinary people from Saalfeld.

The ongoing protests in Saalfeld and across Germany reflect the growing determination to confront far-right extremism. The fight against right-wing ideologies and racism becomes even more significant as the AfD continues to gain voter support, despite the party's association with racist provocations and ties to far-right and neo-Nazi circles. With millions taking to the streets, the voices of those opposing the far right are becoming increasingly united and resolute.