LEIPZIG (GERMANY), 25 Oct. (DPA/EP) –
Thousands of people have demonstrated on Monday night, mainly in the cities of eastern Germany, to protest against the government’s energy policy due to rising prices.
According to police data, some 6,000 people have gathered in more than 12 cities in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, at the initiative of the extremist and Islamophobic movement Pegida.
The main reason for the meeting was the increase in energy prices and the war in Ukraine, while they also celebrated the eighth anniversary of the organization.
Some 1,600 people have demonstrated in the state capital, Schwerin, while several hundred have participated in rallies in the cities of Wismar, Parchim, Ludwignslust, Gustrow, Neubrandenburg, Neustrelitz and Waren an der Muritz, among others.
Marches have also been attended by thousands of people in the eastern states of Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony Anhalt.
In addition, hundreds of counter-protesters have gathered in some of the cities such as Leipzig, where there have been clashes between members of the Pegida movement and counter-protesters, according to a police spokesman.
Pegida has reunited after months of hiatus in what it has called the ‘Great Dresden Night March’. The movement manifested itself for the last time in April of this year.
