Thousands of people gathered in Munich on Saturday for a “PRÜF” demonstration, urging the Federal Constitutional Court to examine potential bans for parties suspected of far-right extremism. The rally in the Bavarian capital proceeded without incident, according to a police spokeswoman. This movement calls for a majority vote in the Bundesrat to initiate a review process for a party ban.
Peaceful Demonstration in Munich
The organizer, the social cooperative Bellevue di Monaco, estimated 5,000 demonstrators, while Munich police, when asked by BR, reported 3,000 people assembled at Geschwister-Scholl-Platz in front of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University. Despite cool temperatures, the atmosphere at the demonstration was positive. Speeches by Heribert Prantl, music from the Democracy and Bud Spenzer Heart Chor, and a children’s program with can tossing contributed to the mood.
What does “PRÜF” mean?
The protests are spearheaded by the organization “PRÜF,” founded by satirist, activist, and politician Nico Semsrott last November. “PRÜF” stands for “Prüfung Rettet Übrigens Freiheit!” (Examination Saves Freedom, by the way!). The “PRÜF-Demo” is cross-party and has been held monthly in Munich since December, always on the second Saturday of the month. These demonstrations have now spread nationwide.
Debate over the AfD
The AfD is at the center of a debate regarding a potential ban. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution had classified the party as a “proven far-right extremist endeavor” in early May of last year. The AfD is taking legal action against this classification. The classification was temporarily suspended in February by the Cologne Administrative Court in an urgent procedure.
Nationwide Protests
People also took to the streets in other German cities, such as in Berlin in front of the Brandenburg Gate. The largest demonstration, with 4,000 people according to police, took place in Hamburg on the Rathausmarkt. Demonstrations also occurred in Düsseldorf, Hanover, Mainz, Magdeburg, and Potsdam.
Background on the AfD Classification
On February 26, 2026, the Cologne Administrative Court ruled that the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution is provisionally not allowed to classify the AfD as “proven extremist.” This decision came in an urgent procedure initiated by the party against the authority. This ruling temporarily halts the classification that had been a key point of contention.
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Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/muenchen-tausende-bei-demo-fuer-pruefung-rechtsextremer-parteien,VDrb1e8
