**Tens of Thousands March Across Germany to Protest Far-Right Party AfD**
On September 12, 2026, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in cities across Germany to voice their opposition to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This wave of protests was sparked by the AfD's recent electoral victory in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party secured nearly 44 percent of the vote in a state election held on September 6, significantly outpacing the traditional ruling party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which garnered approximately 17 percent.
Organized by the campaign group Pruef, the protests drew around 150,000 participants in approximately 20 cities, including major urban centers such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich. Demonstrators carried signs with slogans like “Ban the AfD now” and “Democracy needs no alternatives,” reflecting a broad concern among citizens about the party's rising influence in German politics.
Christoph Bautz, head of Campact, another organization involved in the demonstrations, emphasized the diverse nature of the protests, stating, “A broad cross-section of civil society is taking to the streets to prevent the enemies of the constitution … from gaining government power.” Reports indicated that around 25,000 people participated in the Hamburg protests, while about 12,000 gathered in Munich. Additional protests in Berlin attracted several thousand more demonstrators.
In contrast, the AfD held a counter-rally in Berlin, attended by Kristin Brinker, the party’s lead candidate for the upcoming regional election. The juxtaposition of these events highlighted the growing polarization in German society regarding the AfD's political ascent.
The AfD's electoral success in Saxony-Anhalt marks a significant moment in German politics, as it is the first time a far-right party has come close to leading a state since the end of World War II. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's state leader, described the election results as historic, asserting that the electorate has expressed a desire for political change and indicated a willingness to support the AfD in achieving that change. Despite falling short of an outright majority, the AfD is currently in discussions with other parties to form a government.
The party's increasing prominence has raised alarms among many Germans, given the nation’s historical context and its commitment to preventing the rise of extremist ideologies. The AfD is known for its anti-immigration stance and has maintained a friendly posture towards Russia, which has further fueled concerns about its potential governance.
As the AfD seeks to negotiate coalition agreements, it faces a significant challenge. All mainstream political parties have thus far adhered to a longstanding policy known as the “firewall,” which prevents them from forming alliances with the AfD. This policy reflects a consensus among established parties to isolate the far-right and mitigate its influence in German politics.
Calls to ban the AfD altogether have gained traction in light of its electoral success, although such a move would be legally complex and politically contentious. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has shown reluctance to pursue a ban, highlighting the challenges faced by those who oppose the party’s ideology.
The protests on September 12 serve as a reminder of the deep divisions within German society regarding the AfD and its implications for the future of democracy in the country. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the response from both supporters and opponents of the AfD will likely shape the trajectory of German politics in the coming years.