Thousands marched across Germany after the AfD's strong showing in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. Berlin saw a large demonstration — police estimated about 5,000 while organisers said 14,000 — led by Campact and Fridays For Future and joined by Luisa Neubauer and candidates from the Greens and The Left. Protests also took place in Schwerin, Rostock, Essen, Potsdam, Kassel and Frankfurt, where demonstrators called for a review of the AfD's legal standing. The AfD won the vote but fell short of an absolute majority; its state branch has been classified as 'confirmed right-wing extremist' by domestic intelligence.
Thousands Across Germany Protest After AfD's Strong Showing in Saxony-Anhalt
People stand with flags during a rally at the Brandenburg Gate after the results of the Saxony-Anhalt state election, under the slogan "Time to Act: Stop the AfD!" (is associated with: «Thousands across Germany protest against AfD after election victory») Fabian Sommer/dpa
Thousands of people across Germany took to the streets on Monday after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a major victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on Sunday.
In Berlin, police estimated roughly 5,000 people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate and reported the demonstration passed peacefully, while organisers put attendance at about 14,000. The rally was called at short notice by the campaign group Campact together with the Fridays For Future climate movement.
Notable participants included climate activist Luisa Neubauer and the lead candidates of the Greens and The Left ahead of Berlin's state vote on 20 September. Protesters carried banners with slogans such as 'Fascism is not an alternative' and 'Stop AfD Nazis! End racism and social cuts,' and crowds chanted, 'All together against fascism!'
Demonstrators hold signs during a march through downtown Essen in response to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) strong showing in the state legislative elections in Saxony-Anhalt. (is associated with: «Thousands across Germany protest against AfD after election victory») Fabian Strauch/dpa
The AfD won Sunday’s vote by a wide margin but fell short of an absolute majority, leaving open the possibility of Germany's first AfD-led state government. The country's domestic intelligence agency has classified the AfD's state branch as 'confirmed right-wing extremist,' a designation that has intensified calls for scrutiny and legal review.
Protests Across Other Cities
Demonstrations were held in several other states and cities. In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern—where a new state parliament will be elected later this month and the AfD is leading in opinion polls—police reported several hundred people gathered in Schwerin and more than 500 people took part in a communal sing-along in Rostock.
In Essen, police said about 1,200 people marched through the city centre, many carrying rainbow flags and signs reading 'Ban the AfD now' and 'No place for Nazis.' Hundreds gathered in Potsdam and elsewhere in Hesse, with roughly 80 people protesting in Kassel. Authorities also reported about 2,500 demonstrators in Frankfurt, where protesters called for a formal review of whether the AfD could be banned.
Context: The demonstrations reflect growing concern among activists and party opponents about the AfD's electoral gains and the party's classification by security services. Organisers emphasised peaceful protest and civic mobilization ahead of several key regional votes.
Most demonstrations passed without major incident, but organisers and police have continued to stress the need for vigilance and lawful public debate as regional campaigns continue.
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