# AfD surge: polling leads and calls for party ban > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/afd-involvement-with-russialinked-events > Updated: 2026-08-11T01:57:12.000Z. Sources: 389. Developments: 59. The AfD continues to see significant polling gains ahead of regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt (September 6), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (September 20), and Berlin (September 20). In Saxony-Anhalt, recent Insa polling indicates the AfD is leading with approximately 42% support, nearly doubling the standing of the CDU, which has dropped to 22%. The Linke holds 13%. In response to the party’s rise, approximately 10,000 people participated in protests across 11 German cities on August 9, demanding a ban on the AfD. Organized by the “Prüf” initiative, the demonstrations called for the Federal Constitutional Court to investigate the party, which has been classified by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution as “suspicious” or “confirmed right-wing extremists.” This follows an open letter from over 1,000 legal professionals calling for similar proceedings. To prevent an AfD government in Saxony-Anhalt, Bodo Ramelow, former Minister-President of Thuringia, has urged the CDU and Die Linke to cooperate. Ramelow criticized the CDU’s hesitation to engage in cross-party dialogue, suggesting such cooperation is necessary to mitigate the “blackmail potential” of the AfD. Economic concerns persist as economists from the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) describe the AfD’s platform as “non-financeable,” projecting an annual gap of at least 2.2 billion euros and warning that migration stances could deter skilled labor. ## Claims - The AfD leads polling in Saxony-Anhalt with 42% of the vote. (disputed by 8 sources) - The BSW is projected to enter the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament with 5% of the vote. (disputed by 7 sources) - BSW (Sahra Wagenknecht’s party) is projected at 4 % in Saxony‑Anhalt, below the five‑percent threshold. (disputed by 3 sources) - AfD leads the latest Bundestag poll with 27 % (Verian/Emnid). (disputed) - AfD leads the latest Bundestag poll with 28 % (Forschungsgruppe Wahlen). (disputed) - Saxony-Anhalt will hold regional elections on September 6. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Ulrich Siegmund stated he would not accept becoming Minister President through an abstention by the BSW party. (corroborated by 13 sources) - An attack was carried out on Berlin's Pride event. (corroborated by 11 sources) - German authorities are increasing security ahead of the Christopher Street Day event in Hamburg. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Michele Valensise is the former Italian ambassador to Germany and president of the Institute of International Affairs. (corroborated by 11 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-11: AfD leads Saxony-Anhalt polls ahead of state election The AfD leads polls for the upcoming Saxony-Anhalt election with 42%. BSW proposes a non-partisan government model, while other parties urge cooperation to block an AfD victory. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bodo-ramelow-urges-cdu-and-linke-cooperation-in-sachsen-anhalt ### 2026-08-09: Germany: Protests erupt in 11 cities demanding AfD ban Around 10,000 people protested in 11 German cities, demanding a constitutional ban on the rising AfD party to protect democratic order. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-protests-erupt-in-11-cities-demanding-afd-ban ### 2026-08-09: German lawyers petition for ban on AfD party Over 1,000 German legal professionals have signed a petition urging the government to initiate a ban on the AfD party, alleging its policies violate the German constitution. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-lawyers-petition-for-ban-on-afd-party ### 2026-08-08: AfD leads Saxony-Anhalt polls ahead of September election The AfD leads polls for the Saxony-Anhalt state election at 42%, while the BSW may hold the balance of power. Economists warn the AfD's economic plans face a 2.2 billion euro annual financing gap. 34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sachsen-anhalt-election-afd-leads-in-polls-ahead-of-september-vote ### 2026-08-08: Germany's CDU Reaffirms Ban on AfD Coalitions Ahead of Regional Elections CDU leader Torsten Frei reaffirms the party's ban on any AfD coalition as three German state elections approach in September, with polls showing AfD near 40 % in Saxony‑Anhalt. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-cdu-reaffirms-ban-on-afd-coalitions-ahead-of-regional-elections ### 2026-08-03: German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer vows cultural fight against AfD German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer announced a personal cultural battle against the AfD, warning of right‑wing drift and citing threats to sites like the Bauhaus Dessau ahead of the Saxony‑Anhalt election. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-ramps-up-saxonyanhalt-campaign-ahead-of-september-state-election ### 2026-07-31: Berlin Pride attack exploited by AfD ahead of German regional elections The Berlin Pride attack, tied to Islamist radicalism, will be leveraged by the AfD to boost support in Germany's September regional elections, with immigration as a key issue and heightened security for Hamburg 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-poised-to-exploit-berlin-pride-attack-ahead-of-september-regional-elections ### 2026-07-31: AfD leads Saxony‑Anhalt poll ahead of September 2026 state election AfD leads Saxony‑Anhalt polls (41 %) ahead of the 6 Sept 2026 state election; warnings of economic fallout from an AfD government and calls to avoid fear‑driven debate. 31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-tops-polls-in-saxony-anhalt-state-election-reaches-record-28-nationally ### 2026-07-29: Dahlem (Berlin) election rally debates AfD ban and wealth tax At a Dahlem (Berlin) rally, CDU candidate Christoph Wegener and centre‑left speakers debated an AfD ban, a luxury‑villas wealth tax, and migration concerns, warning a ban could strengthen the far‑right. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dahlem-berlin-election-rally-debates-afd-ban-and-wealth-tax ### 2026-07-25: AfD campaign stand in Göttingen sparks protests and police deployment AfD's stand at Göttingen's Gänseliesel fountain triggered a protest by left groups and a police deployment, highlighting local election tensions. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-campaign-stand-in-gttingen-sparks-protests-and-police-deployment ### 2026-07-20: Germany Moves to Expel Extremist Officials and Weighs Partial Ban on AfD Germany tightens rules to dismiss extremist civil servants and debates a partial ban on the AfD, amid reports of the party’s intimidation tactics. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-moves-to-expel-extremist-officials-and-weighs-partial-ban-on-afd ### 2026-07-18: AfD launches campaign for Saxony‑Anhalt state election AfD opened its Saxony‑Anhalt election campaign on 18 July 2026, pledging Ulrich Siegmund as future minister‑president, targeting 45 %+X, with polls at 41‑42 %. The party’s extremist programme sparked counter‑d​ 30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-launches-saxonyanhalt-campaign-aiming-for-45-vote-share ### 2026-07-15: Hape Kerkeling invited to Thuringian parliament hearing on possible AfD ban Thuringia will hold a public hearing on 30 Sept 2026 about a possible AfD ban, inviting Hape Kerkeling and other experts; any ban must be decided by the Federal Constitutional Court. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/entertainer-hape-kerkeling-summoned-to-thuringian-afd-ban-hearing ### 2026-07-13: European Parliament launches review of EU funding for AfD-linked ESN party The European Parliament voted to review the EU funding of the AfD‑linked Europe of Sovereign Nations party, citing alleged extremist statements and risking loss of its €2 million subsidy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-parliament-launches-review-of-eu-funding-for-afd-linked-esn-party ### 2026-07-12: Frank Thelen says Germany's 'Brandmauer' policy hurts the country Frank Thelen says Germany's Brandmauer tactic weakens the CDU/CSU, risks elevating the AfD, and stifles business leaders' political speech. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/frank-thelen-says-germanys-brandmauer-policy-hurts-the-country ### 2026-07-11: AfD leads Saxony‑Anhalt poll and unveils 100‑day government plan AfD leads Saxony‑Anhalt polls ahead of the Sept 6 election, unveils a 100‑day plan with strict migration, education and media reforms, sparking warnings from SPD, the Left and the CDU. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-unveils-100day-plan-ahead-of-saxonyanhalt-state-election ### 2026-07-11: German parties clash over possible AfD ban Germany's political leaders split over an AfD ban: Söder opposes any ban, citing low legal odds; SPD's Maier backs a partial Thuringian ban; CDU warns of constitutional hurdles. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bavarian-premier-markus-sder-rules-out-afd-ban-initiative ### 2026-07-09: AfD unveils 100‑day plan ahead of Saxony‑Anhalt state election AfD unveiled a 10‑point 100‑day plan for a potential Saxony‑Anhalt government, including strict asylum policies, media contract termination, and school flag changes. Polls put the party at ~40 % ahead of the 6 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-outlines-policy-agenda-for-a-potential-saxonyanhalt-government ### 2026-07-08: Thuringian police investigate assault on journalists after AfD rally in Erfurt Thuringian police are investigating an assault on three journalists after the AfD congress in Erfurt, forming a task force and reviewing video evidence. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thuringian-police-investigate-assault-on-journalists-after-afd-rally-in-erfurt ### 2026-07-07: German CDU debates ending AfD firewall while criticizing Die Linke over submarine contract CDU leaders rebuke Die Linke over a submarine contract while rejecting a Brandenburg MIT proposal to end the party’s firewall with the AfD. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-cdu-debates-ending-afd-firewall-while-criticizing-die-linke-over-submarine-contract ### 2026-07-07: AfD party congress in Erfurt disrupted by anti‑fascist protest Anti‑fascist activists tried to disrupt the AfD congress in Erfurt with masked protests, smoke and thrown bags; police escorted and later contained the demonstration. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-party-congress-in-erfurt-disrupted-by-antifascist-protest ### 2026-07-07: AfD opens annual conference in Erfurt amid thousands of protests Around 15,000 people protested in Erfurt as the AfD held its annual conference, re‑electing leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, while the venue marks the centenary of a 1926 Nazi party gathering. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-opens-annual-conference-in-erfurt-amid-thousands-of-protests ### 2026-07-07: AfD leader Tino Chrupalla releases biography, draws criticism for praising Jürgen Möllemann AfD chief Tino Chrupalla launched his autobiography in Berlin and was criticized after praising late FDP politician Jürgen Möllemann, a figure linked to past antisemitic statements. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-leader-tino-chrupalla-releases-biography-draws-criticism-for-praising-jrgen-mllemann ### 2026-07-07: Tino Chrupalla’s book launch signals internal AfD power struggle AfD co‑leader Tino Chrupalla’s new book launch seeks to halt his declining influence after a weak party‑conference vote, highlighting internal competition with Alice Weidel. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tino-chrupallas-book-launch-signals-internal-afd-power-struggle ### 2026-07-07: ARD journalist Anja Kohl's false claim on AfD-linked journalist attacks draws BR clarification ARD journalist Anja Kohl wrongly blamed the AfD for attacks on reporters during Erfurt protests; BR clarified the assaults were by leftist demonstrators and condemned violence from any side. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ard-journalist-anja-kohls-false-claim-on-afd-linked-journalist-attacks-draws-br-clarification ### 2026-07-07: EU Parliament initiates review of AfD-linked ESN party over alleged EU-value breaches The European Parliament voted 414‑224 to refer the AfD‑linked ESN party to the EU watchdog for a values‑compliance review that could strip its €2 million funding and party status. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-parliament-launches-probe-into-afd-linked-esn-party ### 2026-07-06: Germany's AfD tops poll as party congress invokes Nazi anniversary AfD leads German polls at 29% and holds a Thuringia congress timed with a Nazi‑era anniversary, signaling further radicalization. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-afd-tops-poll-as-party-congress-invokes-nazi-anniversary ### 2026-07-05: Brandenburg CDU debates ending exclusion of AfD (Brandmauer) within party Brandenburg’s CDU business wing has formally asked to scrap the party’s “Brandmauer” against the AfD, citing the AfD’s 37% poll lead, but state and federal CDU leaders reject the move. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-gains-momentum-at-erfurt-congress-prompting-cdu-call-to-end-brand-wall ### 2026-07-05: Erfurt AfD Congress Journalist Attacks At the AfD congress in Erfurt, Apollo News reporters were beaten by “Widersetzen” protestors; police intervened with pepper spray, the group later blamed the journalists, and the local church distanced itself. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/violent-protests-target-rightwing-media-at-afd-congress-in-erfurt ### 2026-07-04: German military advises troops to avoid uniform during Erfurt AfD protest The Bundeswehr warned soldiers to avoid wearing uniforms and displaying insignia in public around Erfurt during the AfD congress weekend, citing security fears of large protests and potential attacks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-military-advises-troops-to-avoid-uniform-during-erfurt-afd-protest ### 2026-07-03: AfD's Erfurt Congress Re‑elects Leaders Amid Massive Protests AfD re‑elects Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla at its Erfurt congress; 30‑plus thousand protesters clash with police, resulting in minor injuries and journalist attacks. 90 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-congress-in-erfurt-draws-tens-of-thousands-of-protesters-police-clashes ### 2026-07-03: Musician Clueso Performs in Erfurt Amid AfD Party Congress Protests Clueso performed in Erfurt during the AfD congress, urging “Heimat” while 31‑50 000 people protested peacefully, with few incidents reported. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/musician-clueso-performs-in-erfurt-amid-afd-party-congress-protests ### 2026-07-03: AfD Targets Saxony‑Anhalt State Election as Path to Power AfD seeks a majority in Saxony‑Anhalt’s September election, aiming for its first state governorship amid rising support and security concerns. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-targets-saxonyanhalt-state-election-as-path-to-power ### 2026-07-01: German police deploy thousands for AfD congress while tackling crimes across multiple regions German police deployed thousands for the AfD congress in Erfurt while simultaneously handling thefts, river safety breaches, a drug‑related traffic crash, a Reichsbürger weapons bust and a dangerous driving‑by‑ 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hesse-police-tackle-surge-in-thefts-and-arrest-reichsbrger-suspect ### 2026-07-01: AfD re-elects leaders at Erfurt congress amid massive protests AfD re‑elected co‑leaders Alice Weidel (81%) and Tino Chrupalla (70%) at its Erfurt congress, while tens of thousands protested, prompting a massive police presence. 225 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-launches-erfurt-congress-as-police-brace-for-up-to-50000-counterprotesters ### 2026-06-29: Germany's AfD exclusion debate fuels protests and poll shifts Polls show 36% of Germans want to drop the AfD exclusion “brandwall”, while protests both for and against the party surge ahead of its Erfurt congress. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-stages-bitterfeld-demonstration-and-urges-bundestag-peace-congress-on-ukraine ### 2026-06-29: European Parliament MEPs call for probe into far‑right alliance About 200 MEPs urge an EU investigation into the AfD‑Reconquête alliance, citing alleged breaches of EU values that could cost the group up to €2 million in funding. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-parliament-meps-call-for-probe-into-farright-alliance ### 2026-06-28: Germany protests social welfare cuts and AfD party congress Protests in Dortmund target social‑policy cuts, while Luisa Neubauer and Campact plan blockades at the AfD congress in Erfurt, citing constitutional concerns. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-protests-social-welfare-cuts-and-afd-party-congress ### 2026-06-28: Hundreds rally in Göttingen and Völklingen against right‑wing violence and AfD conference In Göttingen, 1,000‑plus leftists marched after a knife attack on a 23‑year‑old; about 80 protesters in Völklingen gathered against an AfD conference, with police reporting no major incidents. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hundreds-rally-in-gttingen-and-vlklingen-against-rightwing-violence-and-afd-conference ### 2026-06-27: Germany debates possible ban of far‑right AfD party Germany debates a possible ban on the AfD after a petition gathers 1.3 million signatures and a legal opinion labels the party unconstitutional. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/over-13-million-signatures-call-for-german-court-review-of-afd-constitutionality ### 2026-06-26: Cem Özdemir Calls for Legal Review of Potential AfD Ban Cem Özdemir, Baden‑Württemberg’s new minister‑president, urges a tighter legal review of an AfD ban under Article 21, citing high poll numbers and a 1.3 million‑signature petition ahead of September state votes 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cem-zdemir-calls-for-legal-review-of-potential-afd-ban ### 2026-06-25: Thuringian Police Brace for Massive Antifa Protest at AfD Congress in Erfurt Police in Thuringia expect up to 50,000 counter‑demonstrators, including 1,000‑5,000 violent Antifa activists, as the group threatens roof occupations and a possible storming of the Saxony‑Anhalt Landtag ahead 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antifa-threatens-to-storm-saxonyanhalt-parliament-if-afd-wins-election ### 2026-06-25: AfD eyes historic win in Saxony-Anhalt while massive protests loom ahead of party congress AfD nears a historic win in Saxony‑Anhalt, potentially forming a state government, while authorities brace for up to 50,000 protesters and possible violence at its Erfurt congress. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-eyes-historic-win-in-saxony-anhalt-while-massive-protests-loom-ahead-of-party-congress ### 2026-06-24: AfD may face ban after legal report; politicians push court review as police prep for protests at Erfurt congress A legal report says the AfD is unconstitutional, prompting politicians to call for a ban while police prepare for over 50,000 protesters at the party’s Erfurt congress. 40 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-congress-in-erfurt-draws-large-protest-plans-interior-minister-says ### 2026-06-24: Erfurt hosts '100 gegen Rechts' cultural week to counter far‑right rally Erfurt's '100 gegen Rechts' cultural week (June 25‑July 5) features concerts, talks and workshops to oppose the AfD party congress, with about 100 artists and free events like the opening show by Team Scheisse. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erfurt-hosts-100-gegen-rechts-cultural-week-to-counter-farright-rally ### 2026-06-24: Germany's Left Party Deploys Observers to AfD Congress Protests Die Linke will send observers to the AfD congress protests in Erfurt on 4 July, aiming to monitor police tactics and document incidents as tens of thousands demonstrate. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-left-party-deploys-observers-to-afd-congress-protests ### 2026-06-19: AfD party congress in Erfurt draws massive left‑wing protest plan AfD's 2026 Erfurt congress triggers a large‑scale left‑wing protest plan, with thousands expected and 6 000 police deployed, amid fears of extremist clashes and debate over democratic rights. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-party-congress-in-erfurt-draws-massive-leftwing-protest-plan ### 2026-06-16: Technical University of Berlin hosts massive anti‑militarization student congress Students held a large anti‑militarization congress at TU Berlin, debating conscription, war, and social issues amidst university‑imposed program changes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/technical-university-of-berlin-hosts-massive-antimilitarization-student-congress ### 2026-06-16: AfD Congress in Erfurt Spurs Civil Disobedience Training and School Certificate Delays The AfD's July 4‑5, 2026 congress in Erfurt prompted anti‑fascist group Widersetzen to train for illegal seat‑blockades, while the state education ministry ordered early school certificate distribution and set‑ 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-congress-in-erfurt-spurs-civil-disobedience-training-and-school-certificate-delays ### 2026-06-14: German university limits AfD‑critical talks while left groups plan protest of party congress TU Berlin curtails AfD‑critical student talks over neutrality claims, while left activists ready protests to disrupt the party's upcoming national congress in Erfurt. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-university-limits-afdcritical-talks-while-left-groups-plan-protest-of-party-congress ### 2026-06-11: Technical University of Berlin Allows Contested Youth Congress After AfD Pushback The “Take back the Future” youth congress at TU Berlin, organized by SDS and Students Against Right, will proceed after the university revised the programme following AfD pressure to drop four items. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/technical-university-of-berlin-allows-contested-youth-congress-after-afd-pushback ### 2026-06-11: AfD party congress in Erfurt sparks protest calls AfD will hold its federal congress in Erfurt on July 4‑5 2026, prompting anti‑fascist and feminist groups to organize protests and warn that blocking the event could lead to violence. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-federal-party-conference-in-erfurt-faces-planned-protests ### 2026-06-08: Moringen: AfD Plans Party Meeting Near Concentration Camp Memorial, Prompting Protests AfD plans a conference in Moringen town hall near a WWII concentration‑camp memorial, provoking protests and a planned street festival. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moringen-afd-plans-party-meeting-near-concentration-camp-memorial-prompting-protests ### 2026-06-04: German AfD Lawmaker Markus Frohnmaier Meets Sanctioned Russian Gazprom Leaders in St Petersburg AfD MP Markus Frohnmaier defied German warnings to meet sanctioned Gazprom chief Alexei Miller and envoy Kirill Dmitriev in St Petersburg, discussing a possible restart of Nord Stream gas deliveries. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-afd-lawmaker-markus-frohnmaier-meets-sanctioned-russian-gazprom-leaders-in-st-petersburg ### 2026-06-03: German government condemns AfD delegation's visit to Putin's St. Petersburg forum Four AfD politicians attended Putin‑hosted St Petersburg forum despite a German foreign‑ministry warning; Berlin says the trip betrays national interests and normalises ties with Russia. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-government-condemns-afd-delegations-visit-to-putins-st-petersburg-forum ### 2026-06-02: Germany's AfD joins Moscow Economic Forum amid criticism, former chancellor Schröder spotted in Russia AfD MPs attended Moscow’s Economic Forum, drawing criticism from German intelligence, SPD and Greens; former Chancellor Schröder was also seen in Moscow after Putin offered him a mediator role, which Germany sp 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-afd-joins-moscow-economic-forum-amid-criticism-former-chancellor-schrder-spotted-in-russia ### 2026-06-01: German firms and AfD politicians attend St. Petersburg forum amid sanctions German firms and AfD politicians participated in St. Petersburg’s International Economic Forum, the first official German presence since the Ukraine war, aiming to protect assets and discuss Russia’s tradeshift 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-firms-and-afd-politicians-attend-st-petersburg-forum-amid-sanctions ### 2026-05-30: AfD figures to speak at Compact's 'Summer Fest for Peace and Freedom' in Stößen, Germany AfD leaders plan to appear at the far‑right magazine Compact’s “Summer Fest for Peace and Freedom” on Aug 22 at Andre Poggenburg’s estate in Stößen, with a pre‑festival concert and a parallel Kontrafunk event. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-figures-to-speak-at-compacts-summer-fest-for-peace-and-freedom-in-sten-germany ### 2026-05-13: AfD MPs plan to attend St Petersburg Putin forum German AfD lawmakers Markus Frohnmaier and Steffen Kotré plan to attend a St Petersburg economic forum linked to Putin in early June. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/afd-mps-plan-to-attend-st-petersburg-putin-forum --- Cite as: AfD surge: polling leads and calls for party ban. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/afd-involvement-with-russialinked-events