Thousands protest across Germany over far right's mass deportation plan

Thousands of people across Germany have taken to the streets for a fourth consecutive day to voice their opposition to the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party after AfD politicians met neo-Nazis to discuss a "master plan" for the mass deportation of asylum seekers and German citizens of foreign origin.

- Kate Connolly

The AfD's leadership has sought to distance itself from the gathering in November on the outskirts of Potsdam, which was revealed by the investigative journalism network Correctiv last Wednesday. However, several party members were involved and have since voiced their support for the deportation plan.

On Monday, Alice Weidel, the AfD's co-chair, said she was parting ways with her adviser Roland Hartwig after his participation in the event was confirmed. She said she had no knowledge of his involvement and. that the AfD did not support the plan.

Party members said Hartwig, a former manager of the pharmaceuticals multinational Bayer who had spent four years as an AfD MP, was a respected member of the party and would continue to play an important role behind the scenes, prompting accusations that Weidel's decision had been a tactical move to appear to distance herself and the party from the event.