Protests against AfD: Nearly 10,000 people demonstrate nationwide for AfD ban proceedings

Across Germany, nearly 10,000 people took to the streets in protests organized by the initiative 'Prüf' (short for 'Prüfung rettet Freiheit' - Examination Saves Freedom). The demonstrations, held in Berlin and ten other cities, called for a review of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party by the Federal Constitutional Court.

In Berlin, around 800 people gathered before the Brandenburg Gate, while Potsdam saw approximately 300 participants. According to 'Prüf Brandenburg', a total of 9,460 people participated in the nationwide protests. The initiative plans to hold demonstrations in state capitals every second Saturday of the month.

The core demand of 'Prüf' is for the Federal Constitutional Court to examine all parties classified by the domestic intelligence agency as suspected or confirmed right-wing extremist. However, only the Bundestag, Bundesrat, or the federal government can initiate such a party ban procedure.

Consequently, the 'Prüf' initiative is specifically appealing to state governments to advocate for this procedure in the Bundesrat. Their demand is supported by a legal opinion published in late June by the Society for Freedom Rights. This opinion concluded that the AfD violates human dignity and the principle of democracy, based on various pieces of evidence. The 'Prüf' initiative was founded by activist Nico Semsrott. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution had classified the AfD as a 'secure right-wing extremist endeavor' in early May 2025, a classification the party is legally contesting.

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In Berlin, around 800 people gathered before the Brandenburg Gate, while Potsdam saw approximately 300 participants. According to 'Prüf Brandenburg', a total of 9,460 people participated in the nationwide protests.