AfD Secures Landmark Victory in Saxony-Anhalt State Election

In a dramatic shift for German politics, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a decisive victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, capturing well above 40% of the vote. The result has sent shockwaves through the conservative ranks, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffering a historic defeat after 24 years of governing the region between the Elbe and the Harz Mountains.

On election night, the atmosphere at the press center shifted from quiet anticipation to chaotic activity as preliminary results favored the AfD. Leading candidate Ulrich Siegmund was seen moving quickly with his security detail to position himself for television coverage. Shortly after, AfD co-chairs Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla arrived, celebrating what they declared a clear mandate to form a government.

“This is a mandate for us to form a government!” Weidel told reporters, further predicting that Chancellor Merz would be replaced before Christmas. The statement underscored the sharp decline in Merz’s popularity, which has hit record lows nationwide. Chrupalla criticized the chancellor for making “grandiose announcements” and accused him of unnecessarily escalating tensions with Russia.

The security presence around the AfD celebration at the Altes Theater was intense, with police dogs screening journalists and visitors. DW correspondent Matthew Moore likened the scene to a G7 summit, noting that 1,800 additional officers had been deployed from other federal states to maintain order.

For the CDU, the loss was comprehensive. Incumbent Premier Sven Schulze, who took office earlier this year, maintained a stony demeanor and declared, “This is democracy,” despite the crushing rejection. Schulze’s predecessor, Reiner Haseloff, had been a highly respected figure, and analysts suggest Schulze lacked the political capital to counter the surge in right-wing populist support. At the CDU’s election party at the Maritim Hotel, only staunch supporters remained as the party recorded half its previous vote share. One supporter described the experience as “like being in the dentist’s waiting room,” acknowledging the inevitable pain.

While the AfD celebrated, other parties reacted with a mix of relief and alarm. The Greens, who had feared failing to cross the five-percent threshold, survived but were conflicted about the outcome. Co-leader Felix Banaszak warned against celebrating while it remains unclear if far-right extremists will govern the state. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) struck an optimistic tone, with Secretary-General Tim Klüssendorf expressing hope that a coalition of mainstream parties could still exclude the AfD from power.

The path to governance remains uncertain. The AfD is unlikely to achieve an absolute majority, and all other parties have so far ruled out coalitions with them. The outcome may hinge on the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), which could narrowly enter the state parliament. Eva von Angern of the Left Party called the result a “dark day,” citing concerns over the AfD’s hardline stance on refugees and mass deportations.

As the dust settles, the election is being viewed as a defining moment for German politics. Chancellor Merz is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday to address the implications of this historic evening.