A campaign titled “This is True Patriotism” has been launched in Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt state to prevent the far-right AfD from coming to power alone in the State Parliament Elections to be held on September 6. The campaign called on voters to cast their ballots for democratic parties.

Numerous prominent figures from the worlds of sports, culture, science, and business are supporting the campaign named “This is True Patriotism.” Famous actors Sandra Hüller, Christian Friedel, Anna Schudt, and Max Simonischek are also among those supporting the campaign.

Numerous prominent figures from the worlds of sports, culture, science, and business are supporting the campaign run by the association called “More Than What Divides Us.” Actors Sandra Hüller, Christian Friedel, Anna Schudt, and Max Simonischek are also among those supporting the campaign.

Posters prepared as part of the campaign highlight the alleged consequences that could arise in various sectors, especially culture and care, if the AfD’s election program policies are implemented. While fundraising efforts are underway for the campaign, materials utilizing different media channels have also been prepared.

Among those supporting the campaign are René Bethke, Vice President of SC Magdeburg Sports Club; Karl Gerhold, founder of Getec, which operates in the energy sector; archaeologist Harald Meller; Anne Lequy, former rector of Magdeburg-Stendal University; and Torsten Schubert, team principal of the BMW motorsport team.

Other campaigns against the AfD and the far-right are also being conducted in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the elections. While the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) supports the “This is True Patriotism” campaign, the non-governmental organization Campact is also carrying out a separate initiative 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, while an alliance of cultural institutions launched a campaign advocating for diversity and coexistence.

Meanwhile, the Saxony-Anhalt Refugee Council, together with migrant organizations, called for participation in a strike against racism and exclusion and a rally to be held in front of the state parliament in Magdeburg on August 26. The Council’s call argued that the AfD fuels racism by portraying migrants, refugees, and people of different origins as responsible 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