Thousands Expected at Rallies in Saxony-Anhalt Ahead of State Election

Ahead of Saxony-Anhalt's state election on Sunday, a democracy festival organized by civil society groups is planned in Magdeburg. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) will also hold its final campaign rally in the state capital. On Saturday, September 5, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) added German national Bernhard Fritsch to its Most Wanted Fraudsters list. Fritsch was convicted by a jury in Los Angeles last year of defrauding investors of approximately $26.8 million (€23.1 million) through a fraudulent celebrity-influencer app. Prosecutors allege that the 65-year-old spent the funds on luxury items, including cars, a yacht, and a villa in Malibu. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in absentia after fleeing to Mexico. Although detained by immigration officials in Mexico, he escaped to Germany and is believed to be in the Munich area. The FBI is offering up to $150,000 for information regarding his whereabouts. Additionally, following a summer drought that caused significant low water levels on the Rhine River, four German states have requested increased federal funding to modernize inland waterways. Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia have urged the federal government to invest at least €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion) annually for maintenance. Germany's waterways, including the Rhine, are vital for transporting raw materials, accounting for over 5% of all freight. Politicians have often prioritized roads and railways, neglecting canals and rivers. During the summer, the Rhine became nearly impassable at a key location, forcing many ships to operate with reduced cargo capacities. Economists at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy estimate that the drought could lead to economic losses of up to €2 billion. North Rhine-Westphalia's Transport Minister Viktor Haase has called for new fleets of inland vessels capable of operating in extreme low-water conditions. In Saxony-Anhalt, police reported that 12 events have been registered in Magdeburg, with additional demonstrations in Halle. Most protests are against the AfD, which is projected to receive significant support in the upcoming election. Trade unions and civil society groups are organizing the largest rallies, including the democracy festival. The latest polls indicate that the AfD could secure over 40% of the vote, potentially making it the largest party in the state parliament. However, without an outright majority, forming a government may be complicated, as mainstream parties have ruled out coalitions with the AfD. No smaller parties expected to enter parliament have indicated they would support an AfD-led government. The AfD could only take office independently if it wins a majority of seats.