German protests target far-right AfD after Saxony-Anhalt win

Thousands of Germans protested against the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) following its record state election victory in Saxony-Anhalt, warning of its threat in upcoming polls in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on September 20. A peaceful rally at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate drew up to 14,000 people, with police estimating 5,000, denouncing the AfD's anti-immigrant and pro-Russian platform, including calls for mass deportations and cuts to renewable energy support. The party won nearly 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, its best result since the Nazi era, and is three seats short of forming a government. The AfD leads polls in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with about 35%, while Berlin's race is tighter, with the CDU holding a slim lead. Chancellor Friedrich Merz vows to pursue reforms to counter the AfD, but coalition tensions with the SPD over unpopular measures could destabilize the government.