Around 20,000 people took to the streets of Düsseldorf under the slogan "Not a Step Back!" to protest the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party and right-wing hate speech, according to police figures cited by DW. For immigrants and expats living in Germany, large-scale demonstrations like this one are more than a political news story — they reflect the ongoing public debate about inclusion, tolerance, and the direction the country is heading. Understanding what is happening on the ground can help you make sense of the social environment you live and work in.
The demonstration in Düsseldorf was directed at the AfD, a far-right party whose rhetoric on immigration, national identity, and minority communities has drawn sustained criticism from civil society groups, mainstream political parties, and international observers. The slogan "Not a Step Back!" signals that organisers see the protests as a defensive stand against what they describe as the normalisation of right-wing hate speech in German public life.
Protests of this scale are not isolated events. They reflect a broader pattern of civil society mobilisation that has been building across German cities as the AfD has grown in electoral support. For immigrants — whether long-settled or newly arrived — these demonstrations represent a visible signal that a significant part of the German population actively opposes anti-immigrant sentiment.
It is natural to feel uncertain when the political climate around immigration becomes heated. The AfD's positions on migration, integration, and citizenship have made many foreign nationals — particularly those from outside the EU — feel that their place in German society is being questioned at a political level.
At the same time, protests on this scale are a reminder that German civil society contains a large and vocal constituency that rejects this direction. Many Germans across different backgrounds, ages, and regions continue to support an open, diverse society. The size of the Düsseldorf demonstration underlines that the debate is far from one-sided.
If you are concerned about your residence status or rights in Germany, it is important to note that your legal situation is governed by existing law — not by party rhetoric. Any changes to immigration law require a legislative process. For personalised guidance on how political developments might eventually affect your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration lawyer or reach out to your local Ausländerbehörde.
The AfD has been gaining ground in several German federal states, particularly in the east. This has prompted growing concern among minority communities, integration advocates, and human rights organisations. Anti-racism organisations and community groups across Germany have been expanding their support services in response to reports of increased anxiety among immigrant communities.
If you have experienced or witnessed hate speech or discrimination, organisations such as the Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency) provide support and advice — look up their official contact details directly.
No. Civil demonstrations do not alter immigration law or your individual residence permit. Your rights and obligations as a foreign national remain as set out in your current Aufenthaltstitel and the applicable legal framework. If you have specific concerns, speak to your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified immigration lawyer.
While reports of discrimination and hate speech do exist, Germany also has strong legal protections against racism and hate crimes. If you experience or witness an incident, you can report it to the police. Support organisations are also available — search for local anti-discrimination advice centres (Beratungsstellen) in your city for guidance.
Follow reliable sources such as DW English, reputable German news outlets with English editions, and official communications from BAMF. Community organisations and expat networks can also help you interpret what political changes may mean in practice.
The Düsseldorf protest is a significant moment in Germany's ongoing national conversation about identity, inclusion, and the role of far-right politics. For expats and immigrants, it is worth staying informed — not to cause alarm, but to understand the environment you are living in.
If political developments are making you feel uncertain, seek out reliable information and, where needed, professional legal advice. Knowing your rights is the best foundation for feeling secure.
Source: DW English
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