Dresden marked the 80th anniversary of its WWII bombing with both remembrance and tension.

While the city honored the 25,000 lives lost in the 1945 air raids, right-wing extremists organized a controversial march, drawing around 1,000 participants.

Counter-protests, involving over 4,000 demonstrators, sought to block the march, leading to police interventions and some confrontations.

Authorities deployed a significant force, including water cannons and drones, to manage the situation.

Despite fears of clashes, the day ended without major violence.

Dresden’s mayor emphasized the city’s commitment to peace and democracy, urging citizens to reject historical distortions and uphold unity.