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Thousands of protesters rallied in Cologne, Germany, against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party following its recent election victory, reflecting deep public divisions over the rising influence of far-right politics. The demonstrations come amid heightened political tension nationally over the AfD's growing strength. That tension boiled over in parliament, where Chancellor Friedrich Merz clashed with AfD leader Alice Weidel in a stormy debate, accusing her migration policies of amounting to 'ethnic cleansing' of skilled foreign workers. The confrontation underscores how mainstream German politics is increasingly defined by direct conflict with the AfD following its electoral gains.