Thousands demonstrate in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of state election as far-right AfD leads polls

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Magdeburg on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party holds a strong lead in opinion polls. The public demonstrations coincided with statements from senior German officials warning against political extremism and divisive rhetoric.

Protests gather thousands in Magdeburg

Police reported that approximately 6,000 people took part in a march from Magdeburg’s central railway station to Cathedral Square, where an additional 3,000 participants joined the gathering. The rally was organized by a coalition named Saxony-Anhalt: Open to the World to promote diversity, inclusivity, and democratic values ahead of the vote.

The event drew contingents from trade unions, church groups, and various civic associations. Participants carried placards bearing messages advocating love over hate and supporting democratic standards. Police stated that eight separate public gatherings were registered in Magdeburg on Saturday, including a human chain and a cycling demonstration focused on democracy. Across the broader state of Saxony-Anhalt, authorities expected a total of 12 rallies ahead of election day.

Political leaders address election tensions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz spoke out against the AfD on Saturday during an address delivered in the neighboring state of Lower Saxony. Merz addressed comments made by Martin Reichardt, the AfD leader in Saxony-Anhalt, who had publicly characterized the modern German state as “a lazy, anti-social bum reeking of dope.”

Responding to Reichardt’s characterization, Merz asserted that “we will not let these people talk our country down.” He noted that Germany remains one of the world’s most prosperous, safe, and stable democracies, while acknowledging that mainstream political parties need to engage more effectively with the AfD and refine their choice of words.

Merz maintained a limited public presence in Saxony-Anhalt during the campaign, holding closed-door meetings with candidates from his Christian Democratic Union party in the towns of Quedlinburg and Leuna. Recent polling published by broadcaster RTL indicated that Merz holds a national satisfaction rating of 14 percent.

Presidential warning and state context

In Bonn, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier also spoke on democratic stability during a community event. Steinmeier, who is set to conclude his ten-year tenure in March, warned that liberal democracy required protection from forces seeking to undermine it. He stated that nationalist isolationism and ethnic-based approaches fail to address 21st-century challenges.

The AfD’s state branch in Saxony-Anhalt has been formally designated as a right-wing extremist organization by Germany’s federal intelligence agency. Analysts attribute voter support for the party in the region to dissatisfaction with immigration policies, taxation levels, and federal support for Ukraine.

Background

Saxony-Anhalt is an eastern German state that has become a key political battleground for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Germany’s federal intelligence agency monitors several regional branches of the party due to concerns over right-wing extremism. Mainstream political parties in Germany have historically maintained a policy known as a firewall, refusing to form coalition governments or official alliances with the AfD at state or national levels.