Frankfurt residents have taken to the streets in response to the recent state elections in eastern Germany. The protest, organized under the slogan “All together against fascism,” drew hundreds of demonstrators to the city’s historic Paulskirche.
Diverse crowd unites against far-right politics
Following the state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, approximately 700 people gathered in Frankfurt to protest against the policies of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The demonstration, which police described as peaceful, brought together a diverse group of participants, ranging from young activists to senior citizens representing the “Grannies Against the Right” movement.
The event began with speeches denouncing racism and advocating for democracy and human rights. Protesters then marched along the Main River towards Sachsenhausen, carrying banners with slogans such as “Ban the AfD now!”, “Voting for AfD is voting for Nazis,” and “There is no alternative to democracy.”
Rising concerns over AfD’s electoral success
The protest in Frankfurt reflects growing concerns about the AfD’s recent electoral gains. In Thuringia, the party emerged as the strongest political force, securing 32.8% of the votes. In Saxony, it came in second place, just behind the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Notably, the AfD is classified as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization by the state offices for the protection of the constitution in both Thuringia and Saxony.
Further demonstrations are planned for the upcoming weekend in Hofheim, Main-Taunus district, coinciding with the AfD’s state party conference. These ongoing protests highlight the tension between the AfD’s growing support in some regions and the strong opposition it faces from those concerned about its impact on German democracy.
