Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Cologne, Germany, to protest against the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a far-right political party, following its strong performance in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. The AfD secured nearly 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt (a federal state in eastern Germany), a result that alarmed opponents and prompted public demonstrations elsewhere in the country. The rallies reflect growing concern among many Germans about the rising electoral influence of the far right.