Berlin's 'Star Demo' Draws 19,000 in United Protest Against Right-Wing Shift

Nearly 19,000 people joined seven protest marches converging on Berlin's Red Town Hall on Saturday, uniting diverse groups from climate activists to anti-fascists in a "star demo" ahead of the state election. The coalition of nearly 100 organizations, including Fridays for Future, A100 wegbassen, and Omas gegen Rechts, highlighted demands for climate protection, mobility reform, social justice, and democracy defense. One march specifically protested the A100 highway expansion, while another opposed the AfD moving into a building housing a refugee clinic. Organizers framed the event as a civil society statement against right-wing shifts, with participants also advocating for cycling infrastructure and queer rights. The demonstration concluded with speeches and music, followed by dancing until evening.