A campaign titled "This is True Patriotism" has been launched in Germany's Saxony-Anhalt state ahead of the September 6 State Parliament Elections. The campaign aims to prevent the far-right AfD from gaining sole power and calls on voters to cast their ballots for democratic parties.

This initiative, led by the association "More Than What Divides Us," is supported by numerous prominent figures from the worlds of sports, culture, science, and business. Famous actors Sandra Hüller, Christian Friedel, Anna Schudt, and Max Simonischek are also among the supporters.

Campaign posters highlight the potential consequences of the AfD's election program policies in various sectors, particularly culture and care. Donations are being collected for the campaign, and promotional activities are being carried out through different media channels.

Supporters include René Bethke, Vice President of SC Magdeburg Sports Club; Karl Gerhold, founder of Getec; archaeologist Harald Meller; Anne Lequy, former rector of Magdeburg-Stendal University; and Torsten Schubert, team chief of the BMW motorsport team.

Other campaigns against the AfD and the far-right are also being organized in Saxony-Anhalt before the elections. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) supports the "This is True Patriotism" campaign. The NGO Campact is also conducting a separate effort to prevent the AfD from forming a government alone.

Political messages have also come from churches ahead of the elections. The Diocese of Magdeburg emphasized human dignity, neighborly love, and solidarity with its "vote consciously" initiative. An alliance of cultural institutions has also launched a campaign advocating for diversity and coexistence.

The Saxony-Anhalt Refugee Council, together with migrant organizations, called for a strike and rally against racism and exclusion on August 26. Participation was requested for the rally to be held in front of the state parliament in Magdeburg. The Council argued that the AfD fuels racism by blaming migrants, refugees, and people of different origins for societal problems. According to the call, some business owners of migrant background also plan to voluntarily close their businesses between 10:00 and 15:00 on the same day.

Baba Agency/BERLIN