Germany's state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is bracing for its biggest ever security operation to prevent clashes between about 25,000 left-wingers and right-wingers tomorrow. The far-right National Democrats (NPD), who have convicted neo-Nazi thugs in their ranks, are planning their last big campaign event in the port city of Rostock before the federal elections.
The NPD is one of three ultraright fringe parties running in the election. Political analysts say none is likely to get the minimum 5 per cent needed to win representation in the federal parliament.
About 5,000 NPD supporters were expected to march through Lichtenhagen, the city suburb that was the scene of Germany's most notorious anti-foreigner riots in 1992.
Five days of firebombs and rioting were sparked off when right-wingers attacked a refugee centre. The incident shocked the world after media relayed images of neighbours joining in rather than helping victims escape the burning building.
For this Saturday, countless leftwing and other citizens groups have registered counter-demonstrations with the city authorities. A spokesman for the state Interior Ministry said some 20,000 counter-protesters were expected to gather across the city.