On a sunny August day in the serene town of Quedlinburg in eastern Germany, a large crowd assembled to listen to a prominent far-right figure discuss the nation’s future. Many arrived on their Simson motorcycles, emblematic of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, to meet Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s contender for leadership in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.
The AfD is experiencing a surge in popularity in polls and could potentially become the first far-right party to wield state authority in Germany since World War II following a regional election on Sunday. Analysts suggest that the AfD could secure substantial political influence over state resources, particularly in areas like education. Their objectives include implementing policies such as segregating classrooms for refugees, fostering ties with Russia through student exchange programs, and emphasizing a patriotism-centric agenda with reduced focus on the country’s Nazi history.
During the assembly in Quedlinburg, 17-year-old Luca Stemmler expressed admiration for Siegmund, viewing him as an inspirational figure who speaks sincerely and resonates with the attendees.
Opposing the motorcycle rally, counter-protesters displayed rainbow flags and sang The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” as a gesture of unity against a party that some fear may pose challenges to fundamental human rights and alter key elements of Germany’s postwar democratic system.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD leads in opinion polls at 42 percent, as per data from German election research company Infratest-Dimap. The party also boasts a 28 percent lead in national polls and secured the second-highest seat count in the 2025 federal election.
Initially formed in 2013 as an anti-Euro party, the AfD shifted its focus to immigration issues in 2015 amid Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-door policy towards refugees. The party now advocates for “remigration,” targeting mass deportations and stricter immigration controls, including the establishment of detention centers and separate classrooms for refugee children.
Akinola Sanyaolu, a Nigerian immigrant residing in Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt’s capital, shared experiences of facing racism in the city due to the blame placed on immigrants for political and economic challenges. Despite the discrimination, Sanyaolu remains hopeful about staying in a country he considers home.
The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt has been labeled as right-wing extremist by the state’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Party members have faced criticism for language reminiscent of Nazi groups and alleged connections to far-right movements. If the AfD attains state power, it could influence state-level intelligence services and strengthen ties with Russia, sparking concerns among experts.
Prior to the motorcycle gathering, hundreds of AfD supporters assembled in Querfurt, seeking autographs on T-shirts with Siegmund’s likeness. The party’s growing popularity is attributed to dissatisfaction with mainstream politics, international uncertainties, and backing from external figures like U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk.
If the AfD clinches victory, it could impact federal dynamics by participating in the Bundesrat, Germany’s second legislative chamber representing the states. While the country’s robust constitution may impede significant changes, an AfD win at the state level would normalize the party’s status in the political landscape, according to experts.