European Muslims League calls for vigilance in protecting religious freedom and equal treatment following the historic regional election result
The European Muslims League (EML), through its EML Islamophobia Watch – Monitoring & Response Unit, is closely monitoring developments in Germany following the regional election held in Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September 2026.
Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) emerged as the leading political force, receiving 43.8% of the vote and 39 of the 83 seats in the regional parliament.
EML fully respects the democratic process and the choice expressed by German voters. The European Muslims League does not intervene in party-political competition and does not question the outcome of a democratic election.
However, EML Islamophobia Watch considers it necessary to monitor proposals contained in political programmes when they may directly affect freedom of religion, equal treatment and the rights of Muslim citizens and residents.
Proposals concerning Islam
According to publicly available documentation concerning the AfD programme in Saxony-Anhalt, the party opposes the public call to prayer by the muezzin and the presence of minarets, as well as confessional Islamic religious education in schools.
The programme also describes Islam as a religion foreign to the local culture and states an intention to use legally available means to restrict its influence in the state.
These positions raise a question that is distinct from the legitimate European debate on immigration, integration, public security or the prevention of religious extremism.
The issue concerns the treatment of a specific religious community and the principle that freedom of religion must be guaranteed without discrimination.
Religious freedom must apply to everyone
Europe has both the right and the responsibility to combat extremism, violence and illegal activity, regardless of their ideological or religious origin.
At the same time, Muslims living in Europe must be able to practise their faith according to the same principles of legality, dignity and religious freedom that protect Christians, Jews and members of other religious communities.
Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights protects freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to manifest one’s religion or belief, subject to the limitations prescribed by law in a democratic society.
Alfredo Maiolese, President of the European Muslims League (EML), stated:
“EML respects the democratic choice of German citizens. Our concern is not which political party wins an election, but whether fundamental rights continue to be protected equally for everyone.
Europe must be able to discuss immigration, integration and security freely and seriously. But political debate should never evolve into the collective portrayal of a religion or its followers as incompatible with European society.
Muslims are part of contemporary Europe. Protecting their religious freedom does not mean granting privileges; it means applying the same democratic principles and the same rule of law to every citizen and every religious community.
We therefore call on German and European institutions, civil society and religious communities to remain vigilant and to defend dialogue, social cohesion and equal religious freedom.”
EML Islamophobia Watch
The EML Islamophobia Watch – Monitoring & Response Unit operates according to a clear methodology:
Monitor. Verify. Document. Respond.
Its purpose is not to prevent legitimate criticism of Islam, religions or political ideas.
Its mission is to distinguish legitimate debate from misinformation, discriminatory generalisations and initiatives that may undermine the equal dignity and fundamental rights of Muslim communities.
The European Muslims League will therefore continue to monitor developments in Saxony-Anhalt and Germany, assessing any future political and legislative initiatives on the basis of verified facts, European law and fundamental rights.
European Muslims League (EML)
EML Islamophobia Watch – Monitoring & Response Unit
Germany: EML Islamophobia Watch monitors proposals affecting Muslim religious freedom after Saxony-Anhalt election
