The short version
- The Alternative for Germany secured 43.8 percent of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, missing an outright parliamentary majority by only three seats.
- Party leaders are actively seeking support from individual lawmakers or smaller factions to form a government, despite widespread refusal by major parties to cooperate.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the outcome as seismic, signaling a need for profound reforms within his own conservative bloc.
The political landscape in Germany has shifted dramatically following preliminary election results in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its strongest performance to date. The party captured 43.8 percent of the vote, securing enough support to nearly control the state parliament. While this result falls three seats short of the absolute majority required to govern alone in the 83-seat legislature, it places the AfD in a position of unprecedented leverage. This outcome marks the first time since World War II that a far-right party has come so close to controlling a German state government, raising significant questions about the future of coalition politics in Europe’s largest economy.
AfD leadership has framed the result as a decisive mandate from the electorate. Ulrich Siegmund, the party’s leader in Saxony-Anhalt, declared that the victory constitutes a clear instruction to govern and initiated discussions with other political actors immediately after the polls closed. Beatrix von Storch, the deputy parliamentary leader, emphasized that democratic norms require opponents to engage in dialogue rather than isolate the winning faction. She warned that continued refusal to negotiate could lead to political instability or necessitate another election cycle. The party is now exploring various pathways to power, including potential minority governments supported by tacit agreements with smaller parties or individual members of parliament.
The search for governing partners has proven difficult due to the widespread cordon sanitaire maintained by most German political entities against the AfD. Major parties have consistently refused to enter into formal coalitions with the far-right group, citing concerns over its extremist classifications and policy platforms. However, reports indicate that the AfD is engaging with dissatisfied members within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the largest party in both the outgoing state coalition and the federal government. Additionally, informal arrangements are being considered with the left-wing populist BSW, which is projected to win five seats. The BSW shares some of the AfD’s hardline stances on migration and supports importing Russian gas, making it a potential, albeit controversial, ally for forming a working majority.
The implications of an AfD-led government in Saxony-Anhalt extend beyond local administration. State governments in Germany hold significant authority over policing and education systems. If the party succeeds in taking power, it could implement policies that have drawn intense criticism across the political spectrum. These include proposals to segregate child refugees into separate educational classes and establish specialized task forces focused on detaining and deporting migrants who lack legal status. While the AfD describes these measures as targeted enforcement against criminals and illegal residents, critics interpret them as part of a broader agenda for mass deportations, often referred to as remigration. The domestic intelligence agency has classified the state branch of the AfD as right-wing extremist, a label that Siegmund firmly rejects.
Reactions from national leadership have been stark. Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed deep shock at the results, acknowledging that the status quo can no longer be maintained. He characterized the election as a seismic event for both the country and his own party, urging the CDU to reconnect with voters on an emotional level and pursue substantial reforms. The CDU won 17.2 percent of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, a significant decline that underscores the shifting political tides. Merz’s comments reflect a growing anxiety within the conservative establishment about its ability to counter the rise of far-right populism, particularly in eastern Germany where the AfD has historically found strong support.
International observers have also weighed in on the development, with responses varying widely based on geopolitical alignments. US President Donald Trump shared the projected results on his social media platform, while Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised the outcome as a historic victory for pragmatism and cooperation. Dmitriev had previously lauded the AfD as a party of hope and reason for Germany, highlighting its Russia-friendly stance. In contrast, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the result, stating that only those he described as idiots or traitors would celebrate the AfD’s triumph. These divergent reactions underscore the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the party’s rise and its potential impact on European unity and security policies.
The path forward remains uncertain as negotiations continue. Siegmund indicated that consultations could take days or weeks to conclude, depending on the willingness of other parties to engage. The AfD has signaled openness to talks with any group willing to participate, but the majority of political actors remain steadfast in their refusal to cooperate. The situation in Saxony-Anhalt serves as a bellwether for national trends, with the AfD currently leading opinion polls across Germany ahead of both the ruling conservatives and the Social Democrats. As the party seeks to translate its electoral success into governing power, the coming weeks will reveal whether traditional political barriers can hold or if a new era of far-right influence is beginning in German politics.
This election result represents more than a local victory; it is a signal of broader discontent and realignment within German society. The AfD’s heartland remains in the eastern states, where economic disparities and cultural anxieties have fueled its growth. The failure to secure power in neighboring Thuringia in 2024, despite winning the most votes, highlights the challenges of translating popularity into governance under Germany’s coalition-based system. However, the near-majority in Saxony-Anhalt suggests that these barriers may be weakening. As political leaders grapple with this new reality, the focus will shift to how established parties adapt their strategies and whether the AfD can sustain its momentum without alienating moderate voters or triggering a backlash from civil society.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Germany's far-right AfD says 'democracy demands' parties work with them after state election win
