25,000 People Demonstrate in Hamburg Against Right-Wing Extremism
Hamburg, September 12, 2026 – Thousands of people gathered in Hamburg on Saturday to send a clear message against right-wing extremism following the AfD’s victory in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt. The rally at Hamburg’s Jungfernstieg was supported by several alliances.
Under the motto “Time to Act – Freedom Must Be Defended,” demonstrators marched through the city center to protest against right-wing extremism and the normalization of right-wing extremist parties. According to the organizers, up to 25,000 people participated at its peak – 5,000 more than expected. The police confirmed the number of participants upon NDR’s inquiry.
Musical Support from Singer Bosse
Several speakers addressed the crowd on a stage at Jungfernstieg, including the chairperson of the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), Bishop Kirsten Fehrs, Hamburg’s DGB head Tanja Chawla, and the deputy Shura chairperson Özlem Nas. A highlight of the program was an appearance by singer Axel Bosse with the Hamburg Pub Choir.
Demonstration Passes AfD Office
Before the speeches, demonstrators marched through the city center, around the Binnenalster, and past the AfD’s local office. Loud chants such as “All together against fascism” were heard repeatedly. Many colorful signs displayed slogans like “No desire for Nazis” or “No Franzbrötchen for the AfD.”
Calls for Federal Constitutional Court Review
The demonstration was called by the “Prüf” alliance, which advocates for the Federal Constitutional Court to review parties that are monitored by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, or are classified as suspected or confirmed right-wing extremists. The alliance takes to the streets every second Saturday of the month for this cause.
According to Annika Rittmann from the organization “Zusammen gegen Rechts” (Together Against the Right), the event aimed to provide a space for all those who want to express their fear, anger, or disappointment after the AfD’s success in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. “Zusammen gegen Rechts” participated in the demonstration, which was registered by the “PRÜF Hamburg” initiative. “PRÜF” stands for “Prüfung rettet übrigens Freiheit” (Review, by the way, saves freedom).
Demos in 35 Other German Cities
The demonstration in Hamburg was the second since the Saxony-Anhalt state election. Last Sunday, around 1,500 people had already demonstrated in Hamburg’s city center against a shift to the right and fascism. People also protested against right-wing extremism and for democratic cohesion in 35 other German cities, including Magdeburg.
Grote Supports Review of AfD Ban Proceedings
Hamburg’s Interior Senator, Grote, currently chairman of the Conference of Interior Ministers, stated that a federal-state working group would be “the next logical step” in reviewing a potential AfD ban.
Debate in Hamburg on Reviewing AfD Ban Proceedings
Bürgerschaft President Veit has spoken out in favor of reviewing a potential AfD ban, while Hamburg’s Mayor Tschentscher remains reserved on the matter.
After AfD Success: Demonstration in Hamburg Against Right-Wing Shift
Following the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, approximately 1,500 people took to the streets in Hamburg. The demonstration was organized by the “Alliance Against the Right.”
After Saxony-Anhalt Election: Reactions from Hamburg
The AfD became by far the strongest party in Magdeburg. While the Hamburg AfD congratulated them on a “brilliant election victory,” other parties spoke of a “bitter day.”
Saxony-Anhalt Election: AfD with Record Result, CDU Falls
The AfD rejoices: According to preliminary results, they achieved 43.8 percent, while the CDU halved its 2021 result. All information is available on tagesschau.de.
Source: NDR.de
