Immigrant Shopkeepers in Germany Launch Strike Against Far Right
About 30 immigrant-run businesses closed for a day to protest anti-immigrant sentiment after the AfD won nearly 44% in September's state election.
- On Thursday, immigrant shopkeepers in Halle staged a one-day strike, closing about 30 businesses to protest the far-right Alternative for Germany party's recent landslide election victory.
- The AfD, which campaigned on pledges of mass deportations and touted the slogan "Remigration now!", won nearly 44 percent of the vote in September's regional election.
- Organizer Dalal Mirzo noted that while 30 shops joined the demonstration, many others feared repercussions from far-right extremist customers as daily racism has become "overt" since the election.
- Mahamad Samer told AFP he "can't stay here" due to the atmosphere, while protesters argue the city would "grind to a halt" without immigrant contributions.
- Saxony-Anhalt has lost a quarter of its population since 1990, and state officials warn the region is grappling with a profound demographic shift that could be exacerbated by immigrant departures.
13 Articles
13 Articles
In Halle an der Saale, business owners with a migrant background today close their shops out of protest.
Radio France Internationale
Immigrant shopkeepers in Germany launch strike against far right
"Because of the AfD and the racism -- well, I just can't stay here in Halle," Mahamad Samer, who works at a fast-food restaurant that shut as part of the demonstration, told AFP. "And everyone else -- all the Syrians, all the foreigners -- they cannot stay here either," said the 29-year-old who has lived in the city for three years. Barber shops, restaurants and small retail shops -- about 30 businesses in total -- all joined the demonstration,…
"My plan now is to leave Halle, because of AfD," adds this 29-year-old man who didn't want to disclose his last name. He lives in this town with more than 200,000 inhabitants for three years and works in a fast food. But, on Thursday, it is closed by a red and white bandeau, like thirty other shops in the city centre. Barbers, restaurateurs, salesmen of telephones and accessories..., the traders responded to the citizens' initiative "Halle witho…
Tagesschau
mdr.deIn Halle numerous shops close their doors for several hours. With the action the owners want to set a sign against racism.
"Hall without us?": Business owners with a migrant background want to set a signal against racism and exclusion with an action on Thursday.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
