Thousands expected at rallies ahead of Saxony-Anhalt state election

Thousands of voters are expected to attend demonstrations and rallies in the Saxony-Anhalt state capital of Magdeburg on Saturday the day before they are expected to vote for a new regional parliament, police have said.

Police said 12 events had been registered in Magdeburg. The largest is due to take place from Saturday afternoon on Cathedral Square, where an alliance of trade unions and civil society groups is expecting around 8,000 participants.

The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is riding high in the polls, is also holding its official campaign closing event at the same location.

Rallies in support of democracy have also been announced in the city of Halle.

Saxony-Anhalt elects a new state parliament on Sunday.