Massive Protests Erupt in Germany Against Far-Right AfD Party Following Election Win
By Editor • September 12, 2026 • 1 min read
Germany witnessed a significant outcry over the weekend as approximately 150,000 people rallied in around 20 cities against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. This surge in public dissent follows the AfD's recent success in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, where it garnered nearly 44% of the vote, positioning itself to potentially form the first extreme-right state government in Germany since World War II.
Demonstrations unfolded in major cities including Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, organized by the group Pruef, which advocates for a ban on the AfD. Protesters brandished signs with messages like "Ban the AfD now" and "Democracy needs no alternatives." Christoph Bautz, head of the campaign organization Campact, emphasized the need for civil society to unite against what he termed the enemies of the constitution.
Despite the growing calls for a formal ban on the AfD, challenges remain, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU party has expressed skepticism regarding such measures. The protests reflect a broader concern among many Germans about the implications of the AfD's rise, particularly given the nation's historical context.
Source: www.france24.com
