AfD Expelled from European Parliament Far-Right Group

Mass Protests Follow Lawmaker's Controversial Remarks

Berlin, Germany (CNN)

A right-wing German lawmaker has sparked outrage with comments widely condemned as extremist. The controversy has ignited mass protests across the country, with millions demanding the removal of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

The protests, which have persisted for months, underscore the deep divisions within German society. The AfD, which entered the German parliament in 2017, espouses anti-immigrant and nationalist views. Its recent electoral gains have raised concerns about the rise of far-right extremism in Europe.

The European Parliament's far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group has expelled the AfD, citing its support for conspiracy theories and extremist rhetoric. The move marks a significant rebuke to the German party, which had been part of the ID group since its inception.

The AfD's expulsion further isolates the party and intensifies the debate over its future. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has refrained from calls to ban the party, arguing that it should be defeated politically rather than through legal means.

However, the AfD's recent comments have reignited the discussion about whether such a ban is necessary. Opponents of the party argue that it poses a threat to democracy and social cohesion. The debate is expected to intensify in the coming months as Germany grapples with the challenges of far-right extremism.

The expulsion of the AfD from the European Parliament's far-right group is a stark reminder of the divisions within Europe. The rise of far-right parties in several countries highlights the need for vigilance against extremist ideologies that threaten the values of democracy and tolerance.