Symbols of the far right were on display as protesters with the Pegida group marched through Dresden, Germany, protesting what they mistakenly believe is the “Islamization” of Germany and Europe.  These have been going on weekly since October, but Monday’s demonstration was the largest yet, with 25,000 malcontents and bigots taking part.

That was dwarfed by more than 100,000 thousand coming out in counter-demonstrations in cities across Germany.  But in Dresden, the fringe was by far the largest group.  They carried signage common to the far right in Europe:  Anti-immigration, anti-Islam, anti-European Union, even some that were pro-Russia.

The demonstrators say they are concerned about the effects of “radical Islam” on Germany, and claimed this march was in honor of the people killed in last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris.  But that didn’t fly with German officials, who urged people to stay away.

“It is simply disgusting how the people behind these protests are trying to exploit the despicable crimes in Paris,” said Justice Minister Heiko Maas.

“Germany wants peaceful coexistence of Muslims and members of other religions,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel, announcing she would attend a unity vigil at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate on Tuesday.  She said it is designed to send “a very strong message” to the forces of intolerance.