Thousands protest against AfD in Berlin after far-right election success in Saxony-Anhalt

More than 2,500 people gathered at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate to protest the AfD after the party won Saxony-Anhalt’s state election by a wide margin.

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AfD + BSW, goodbye democracy

A police spokesperson put attendance shortly after the event began at more than 2,500. Officers described the demonstration as peaceful. Climate and political activist Luisa Neubauer attended, along with the leading candidates of the Greens and the Left in Berlin’s September 20 election.

The protest carried a sharply confrontational message. Banners read “AfD + BSW, goodbye democracy,” “Fascism is not an alternative,” and “Stop AfD Nazis! Enough racism and cuts to social welfare.” Demonstrators also chanted, “Everyone together against fascism.” Many people told a dpa reporter they were worried about the AfD’s success.

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Fascism is not an alternative

The AfD won Sunday’s election in Saxony-Anhalt by a large margin but fell short of an absolute majority. The state’s domestic intelligence agency classifies the AfD’s state branch as definitively right-wing extremist, and an AfD-led government now appears possible.

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Everyone together against fascism

Demonstrators also assembled at Potsdam’s Old Market. The group “Potsdam! Be Proud of Its Colors!” said the prospect of an AfD-led government filled it with concern and would represent “not an ordinary political change, but a turning point for democratic culture in Germany.”

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The possibility of an AfD-led state government in Saxony-Anhalt fills us with great concern