Chronological coverage updated 12th September 2026 18:12.
Update 1 · 12th September 2026
Tens of Thousands Protest Across Germany Following Far-Right AfD State Election Win
Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Germany on Saturday to protest against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) following the party's victory in a state election last week. Protests took place in around 20 cities nationwide, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, called by organizations advocating for a formal ban on the party. Source: France24.
The widespread mobilization comes after the AfD topped the vote in the eastern region of Saxony-Anhalt, positioning itself to attempt to form the first extreme-right state government in Germany since World War II. Demonstrators gathered in city streets waving signs emblazoned with slogans such as "Ban the AfD now" and "Democracy needs no alternatives." Organizers reported attendance of approximately 25,000 people in Hamburg and 12,000 in Munich.
France24 reportedly quoted Christoph Bautz (Head of campaign group Campact) as saying: “A broad cross-section of civil society is taking to the streets to prevent the enemies of the constitution, the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, from gaining government power”.
The Alternative for Germany party secured almost 44 percent of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, compared to 17 percent for the centre-right CDU, leaving it three seats short of an absolute majority. — according to France24.
Political Fallout and Coalition Negotiations
The election result in Saxony-Anhalt marked a significant electoral victory for the anti-immigration, Russia-friendly party, leaving it just three seats short of an absolute majority in the state parliament. The AfD has initiated discussions with other political groups and independent lawmakers in an effort to form a state government.
Following his election victory, AfD lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt Ulrich Siegmund sparked fierce criticism with public comments concerning the defence industry and "remigration." Meanwhile, in Berlin, where regional elections are scheduled for next weekend, AfD lead candidate Kristin Brinker attended a counter-demonstration held by the party in the capital. Source: Euronews.
Debates Over Banning the AfD
The rise of the AfD has unnerved many in Germany who feel the country has a special responsibility to atone for its Nazi past, escalating calls for mainstream parties to seek a formal ban on the group. However, legal hurdles for a constitutional ban remain high in Germany, and Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the centre-right CDU party remains sceptical about taking such an approach.
- Around 150,000 people protested in 20 cities across Germany following the AfD's election victory in Saxony-Anhalt.
- The AfD won nearly 44 percent of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt and has started talks to form a state government.
- AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund sparked backlash over comments regarding remigration and the defence industry.
