On a sunny August day in the peaceful town of Quedlinburg in eastern Germany, a large crowd gathered to listen to a prominent far-right figure discuss the nation’s future. Many arrived on their Simson motorcycles, a symbol associated with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, to meet Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s candidate for leadership in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.
The AfD has been gaining popularity in opinion polls, and in an upcoming regional election, it could potentially become the first far-right party to wield state authority in Germany since World War II. Analysts suggest that if the AfD secures power, it could significantly influence state resources, particularly in areas like education. Their proposed initiatives include establishing separate classrooms for refugees, fostering student exchange programs with Russia, and promoting a patriotic agenda that shifts focus away from the country’s Nazi history.
“I believe [Siegmund] speaks sincerely, from the heart, and echoes our sentiments,” remarked 17-year-old Luca Stemmler during the Quedlinburg gathering, where he described Siegmund as an inspiration.
Meanwhile, across the street from the motorcycle rally, counter-demonstrators displayed rainbow flags and sang The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love,” as a demonstration of unity against a party that some fear may challenge fundamental human rights and alter critical aspects of Germany’s postwar democratic framework.
Experts caution that the AfD’s potential rise to power could have far-reaching implications, not only in Germany but also within the European Union and on a global scale. The party’s current lead in opinion polls in Saxony-Anhalt, standing at 42%, indicates a plausible path to government control. The AfD also holds a strong position in national polls at 28% and garnered the second-largest number of seats in the 2025 federal election.
Initially formed in 2013 as an anti-Euro party, the AfD shifted its focus to migration issues in 2015 amidst the refugee influx under Chancellor Angela Merkel. The party’s stance on migration includes advocating for “remigration,” a term associated with mass deportations, and proposing restrictions on immigration from non-European Union countries deemed problematic.
Akinola Sanyaolu, a Nigerian immigrant residing in Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, shared his experiences of facing racism in the city while expressing a desire to stay and build a life in Germany despite the challenges.
The AfD’s specific objectives are outlined in a detailed government manifesto, with proposals such as banning Pride flags in schools, revising history curricula to accentuate positive aspects of Germany’s past, and defining a “healthy family” strictly as a father, mother, and children.
As the AfD gains traction, concerns arise regarding the party’s extremist affiliations and potential ties to far-right movements. The party’s alignment with Russia and the possibility of exerting influence over state-level intelligence services have raised red flags among critics.
In the event of an AfD victory, the party could leverage its newfound state power to influence federal policies through the Bundesrat, Germany’s federal legislative chamber. Although constitutional safeguards may limit drastic changes, an AfD victory would undoubtedly bolster the party’s legitimacy on a national scale.
The AfD’s increasing popularity is attributed to various factors, including dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties, economic uncertainties, and a desire for change. External endorsements from figures like U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and Elon Musk have also bolstered the party’s appeal.
As the regional election approaches, the AfD’s potential success poses significant implications not only for Saxony-Anhalt but for Germany as a whole. Whether the AfD secures victory or faces opposition from other political factions, its influence on the political landscape is set to grow, shaping the narrative of German politics moving forward.