Thousands protest AfD election win in Cologne

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Cologne on Saturday to protest the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) following the party’s recent electoral win. Organisers estimated that the crowd numbered between 5,000 and 8,000 participants, who marched through the city centre carrying banners and chanting slogans denouncing the far‑right’s policies. Police deployed a contingent of officers to manage the route and reported that the demonstration remained peaceful, with no arrests or incidents of violence recorded.

The rally comes amid heightened scrutiny of the AfD after it secured a significant share of votes in the latest state election, marking its strongest performance to date in the region. Authorities and civil‑society groups have warned that the party’s success could shift the political landscape, prompting a series of public actions aimed at countering its influence. Cologne’s mayor affirmed the city’s commitment to upholding democratic values while ensuring public order, and officials indicated that they will continue to monitor developments surrounding the AfD’s rise.