Protests mount as AfD makes regional gains in Germany

Thousands protested against the AfD across Germany after its victory in Saxony-Anhalt, warning the far-right could gain power in two forthcoming regional elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern; police estimated about 5,000 at Brandenburg Gate while organizers claimed more than 14,000 attended, and the AfD’s roughly 44% in Saxony-Anhalt marked its best result since the Nazi era, though it fell short of a majority; Germany’s domestic intelligence agency lists the Saxony-Anhalt AfD as right-wing extremist; polls show the AfD around 35% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with Berlin’s race remaining fluid as coalitions face pressure and analysts warn gains could destabilize governing arrangements.