Anti-AfD protests spread across Germany before two more state elections

Election shock prompts street mobilisation

Thousands of people joined anti-AfD demonstrations across Germany after Alternative für Deutschland achieved its strongest state-election result in Saxony-Anhalt. The Guardian reported that a peaceful rally at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate drew 5,000 people according to police, while organisers claimed more than 14,000. Smaller demonstrations and continuing protest activity were reported in cities including Potsdam, Halle, Dresden, Münster and Göttingen.

The protests are a distinct new civic response to the election result, which has already been covered separately. Participants sought to mobilise voters before September 20 elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The AfD entered those contests with momentum after winning nearly 44% in Saxony-Anhalt, although it remained three seats short of an outright majority there.

Two regional tests now approach

The political terrain differs between the two forthcoming elections. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD was leading voter-intention surveys at roughly 35%, while the Social Democrats had recovered to above 30%. Berlin's race was more fragmented, with the Christian Democrats holding a narrow polling lead and the Left, AfD, Social Democrats and Greens all competing for position. Polls measure opinion rather than determine the result, so no governing outcome can yet be assumed.

Euronews independently reported warnings from political scientist Wolfgang Schroeder that ignoring the AfD's victory could deepen voter anger. That analysis focused on the challenge facing mainstream parties after Saxony-Anhalt, while the Guardian documented the demonstrations themselves. Together, the reports show parallel responses: organised public opposition in the streets and a debate within established politics over how to address the party's support.

National and European stakes

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has argued that restoring economic performance and reforming Germany's welfare system are necessary to defeat the AfD politically. His coalition partners have signalled concern about unpopular measures, leaving the federal government under additional strain. The European Council president's September 9 meeting with Merz underscored Germany's role in European security, economic competitiveness and EU unity, though the official statement did not address the demonstrations directly.

The next verified milestones will be the September 20 votes and any resulting coalition negotiations. Until then, turnout, shifts in late polling and whether other parties maintain their refusal to cooperate with the AfD are the central questions. The protests involve domestic political mobilisation rather than armed violence, so they do not meet the criteria for a map alert.