Thousands Expected at Saxony-Anhalt Rallies as AfD Poised for Historic Vote
Thousands are set to gather at more than a dozen rallies ahead of Sunday’s Saxony-Anhalt state election, where the AfD could become the leading party for the first time since WWII.
More than a dozen rallies are planned throughout Saxony-Anhalt in the run-up to Sunday’s state election, where the Alternative for Germany may top the vote count for the first time since World War II, raising the prospect of far-right influence in the eastern state. In parallel, four German states along the Rhine have requested additional federal assistance following a summer low-water crisis that halted cargo shipping.
Police are searching for a possible climate-extremist suspected of sabotaging the power grid, while hackers have warned they will release confidential Berlin state documents. The FBI has also added a Bavarian businessman to its most-wanted roster. These developments underscore heightened political tension, infrastructure vulnerability, and cross-border law-enforcement cooperation in Germany.
Why it matters
The election could give Germany's far-right its strongest regional showing since WWII, while infrastructure and security issues add further pressure.
How this story developed
- Aug 30 Germany prepares coordinated response to suspected drone strike on Ukrainian cargo plane
- Sep 1 A device that failed to detonate was discovered at a power substation in Turnow-Preilack, Brandenburg, prompting a police response around 8 a.m. (0600 GMT). Grid operator 50Hertz reported damage to several lines but said the broader electricity supply remained unaffected after the brief cut. The Brandenburg state criminal police office has taken charge of the investigation, and officials emphasized that the public faced no danger.
- Sep 1 Germany formally attributes the Leipzig airport drone incident to Russia.
- Sep 2 Germany scheduled the Russian consulate in Bonn to close on Sept 18.
- Sep 2 Three explosive‑laden drones were found near Leipzig/Halle Airport, one near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
- Sep 2 EU announced additional sanctions targeting another 1,600 entities and discussed stricter visa rules for Russian tourists.
- Sep 3 Norwegian authorities seized the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov in Svalbard after Russia failed to pay a $4.22 billion award to Ukraine’s Naftogaz for seized Crimean assets.
- Sep 3 A Nord‑Troms district court order issued on August 31 authorized the ship’s detention.
- Sep 3 Police discovered an unexploded incendiary device at a Brandenburg substation.
- Sep 4 Police uncovered a suspicious object near Ganderkesee and homemade devices at a Dormagen substation.
- Sep 4 Poland’s foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in response to the Leipzig drone incident.
- Sep 5 Police seized a suspect’s motorhome in Niederzier as part of the investigation into recent sabotage attempts.
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