Thousands Rally in Berlin Against AfD After Party Wins Saxony-Anhalt Election

Thousands of people gathered near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Monday evening to protest against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which won Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt with a significant lead — though without an outright majority, leaving open the possibility of forming the first AfD-led state government in Germany.

Police estimated around 5,000 participants; organisers put the figure at approximately 14,000. The demonstration passed without incidents. In the neighbouring city of Potsdam, hundreds also gathered to protest against the AfD.

The rally was organised at short notice by the campaign group Campact and the climate movement Fridays for Future. Participants included prominent German climate activist Luisa Neubauer and leading candidates from the Greens and Left parties for Berlin's state election on September 20.

Protesters carried banners reading 'Fascism is not an alternative' and 'Stop the AfD Nazis! End racism and social cuts', with the crowd chanting 'All together against fascism!'

Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the Saxony-Anhalt result the hardest defeat for his CDU party in a decade and pledged to continue with reforms. AfD co-chair Alice Weidel said she expects nationwide support to continue growing toward 40% following the triumph.