The Turkish Community of Berlin-Brandenburg (TBB) called on all voters to go to the polls for democracy, human rights, diversity, and social solidarity ahead of the elections to be held in September 2026.

Ahead of the state elections to be held in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, as well as the Berlin State Parliament elections, the Turkish Federation in Berlin-Brandenburg (TBB) emphasized that the elections are of great importance for Germany's democratic future.

In a statement made by the Turkish Community of Berlin-Brandenburg TBB, it was emphasized that the September 2026 elections are decisive not only for determining political majorities but also for how society will live together in the future. The association invited all eligible voters to cast their ballots in favor of democracy, human rights, diversity, and solidarity.

“The future of democracy will also be voted on in these elections”

The statement highlighted that the AfD is entering the election race with high public support, especially in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and stated that far-right and discriminatory policies threaten social cohesion.

The Turkish Community of Berlin-Brandenburg TBB expressed the view that some approaches in the AfD's Saxony-Anhalt election program regarding migration, integration, education, culture, and art policies tend to pit different social groups against each other and question Germany's diversity-based immigration society.

Ayşe Demir, Spokesperson for the Board of Directors of the Turkish Community of Berlin-Brandenburg TBB, stated that the elections are critical for the future of society and said:

“These elections will not only decide political majorities. They will also determine how we want to live together in the future. Democracy thrives on diversity, mutual respect, and the equal dignity of all people. Not on exclusion and polarization.”

Racism, antisemitism, and anti-Muslim sentiment highlighted

The Turkish Community of Berlin-Brandenburg TBB drew attention to the increase in racist, antisemitic, and anti-Muslim incidents in recent years, as well as the increasingly harsh language in public debates.

The statement noted that far-right ideologies not only target people with a migration background but also question the fundamental principles of a democratic rule of law, the equality of all people, and diversity in society.

Ayşe Demir stated that many people who contacted the TBB have serious concerns about the future, expressing that families are worried about their children's future, discrimination, and security.

Demir commented, “The fact that people are worried about being subjected to more exclusion and discrimination, and even about their physical safety, is an extremely serious warning sign for our democracy.”

“Social polarization harms democracy”

The TBB also expressed its concern that far-right and inhumane rhetoric is increasingly trying to influence political debates.

It was emphasized that political strategies that pit social groups against each other, promote exclusion, and could weaken democratic institutions jeopardize social solidarity and trust in democracy.

In its pre-election call, the TBB invited all voters to cast their ballots, urging them to take a stand for democracy, human rights, equality, diversity, and social solidarity at the polls.

The TBB's message is clear: In the September 2026 elections, not only political balances but also the future of democracy, the culture of living together, and social solidarity in Germany will be decisive.