Berlin AfD Selects State List Candidates for 2026 Parliamentary Election

The Berlin branch of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has convened in Jüterbog, Brandenburg, to select its official list of candidates for the 2026 election to the Berlin House of Representatives. The meeting, scheduled to commence at 10:00 am, aims to determine the party's ranking of candidates, a critical step ahead of the vote to be held in September 2026.

Kristin Brinker, who currently serves both as the Berlin AfD's chairperson and parliamentary group leader, is expected to be re-elected as the lead candidate. Brinker, aged 53, has previously led the party through the 2021 and 2023 Berlin parliamentary campaigns, maintaining a prominent role in the party's regional leadership.

Due to ongoing challenges in securing venues within Berlin, the AfD has once again arranged its party congress in neighboring Brandenburg. The party has repeatedly cited difficulties in finding suitable locations in the capital, leading to a pattern of holding significant assemblies in Jüterbog, a town situated approximately 60 kilometers south of Berlin. This marks the latest in a series of such relocations, with similar events taking place in the autumn of 2024 and earlier this year.

The gathering in Jüterbog has prompted a response from various civil society groups. As in previous instances, several initiatives have announced plans to protest against the AfD's event. Police are on duty in the vicinity to maintain public order and ensure the safety of both participants and demonstrators.

The election for the Berlin House of Representatives is scheduled for 20 September 2026. The selection of the party list is a vital procedural step for all parties intending to participate in the vote, as it determines which candidates will represent the AfD in the state election campaign.

The AfD's ongoing struggle to find venues in Berlin reflects broader tensions between the party and local authorities as well as segments of the public. Past attempts to organize within the city have reportedly been hampered by both administrative hurdles and public opposition. These circumstances have reinforced the party's reliance on locations in Brandenburg for key internal processes.

Security measures around the congress site have been heightened in anticipation of counter-demonstrations. Law enforcement agencies are monitoring the situation to facilitate peaceful assembly and to prevent any escalation during the proceedings.

The process of compiling the party list follows legislative requirements and internal party rules, with delegates voting on the order in which candidates will appear. The top-listed candidate typically serves as the party's leading figure during the campaign, often shaping the party's public image and policy focus in the run-up to the election.

The Berlin AfD's preparations for the 2026 state election are being closely watched by both supporters and critics. The party's performance and strategy in the upcoming election will play a significant role in the broader political landscape of Berlin, a city known for its diverse political environment and active civil society.

The outcomes of the congress in Jüterbog will set the tone for the AfD's campaign, as it seeks to solidify its position and appeal to voters ahead of the 2026 parliamentary vote.