Large-scale protests took place across Germany on Saturday as approximately 150,000 people gathered in roughly 20 cities to voice opposition to the Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right political party. The demonstrations were organized by campaign groups including Pruef and Campact, which advocate for a ban on the party. Participants carried signs calling for the party’s prohibition and expressing support for democracy. According to organizers, demonstrations drew substantial crowds, including around 25,000 in Hamburg and 12,000 in Munich, with several thousand additional protesters in Berlin.
The rallies were prompted by the AfD’s performance on September 6 in the state election for Saxony-Anhalt, located in eastern Germany. The party secured approximately 44 percent of the vote, significantly outpacing Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which obtained roughly 17 percent. The AfD fell marginally short of an outright majority in the state parliament and is currently engaged in negotiations with other parties to form a governing coalition. Success in these talks would mark the first time since 1945 that a far-right party has led a German state government.
The AfD’s growing electoral strength has prompted concern among segments of the German population, given the nation’s historical experience. The party is characterized by anti-immigration policies and a favorable orientation toward Russia. AfD state leader Ulrich Siegmund described the election result as historic and indicated the party’s willingness to pursue coalition partnerships, adjusting from previous statements about governing independently. However, mainstream political parties have maintained a longstanding “firewall” policy refusing to enter coalitions with the far-right party.
The party’s political gains have intensified discussions regarding a potential ban on the AfD, though legal obstacles present significant challenges to such action. Chancellor Merz has expressed reluctance to pursue a ban strategy. The AfD is projected to win 39 of 83 seats in the state parliament, requiring coalition support to establish a governing majority.
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