The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a historic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election on Sunday, capturing the largest share of votes but falling three seats short of an absolute majority in the 83-member legislature. The result marks a significant shift in German politics, positioning the party to potentially lead its first state government since World War II, though coalition negotiations remain uncertain.
AfD’s lead candidate for governor, Ulrich Siegmund, celebrated the outcome as a clear mandate for change. Speaking to public broadcaster ARD, the 35-year-old stated that voters had sent a signal that “things cannot carry on like this,” while crediting Chancellor Friedrich Merz as a strong campaigner for his side. Despite the win, the party’s claim to historical significance was tempered by the final count of 39 seats, which prevents it from governing unilaterally and overcoming the long-standing “firewall” of mainstream parties refusing to cooperate with the group.
The election results dealt a severe blow to Chancellor Merz and his Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which slumped to 17.2% of the vote and 15 seats—a loss of roughly half its support compared to previous cycles. The CDU had governed Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years. Meanwhile, the AfD surged to 43.8% of the vote, more than double its 13% showing five years ago, capitalizing on widespread discontent with the national government’s handling of the economy and immigration.
Other major parties also suffered losses. The Social Democrats polled 9.3%, the Greens 8.9%, and the Left Party 8.6%, winning eight seats each. A new party, BSW, which opposes the firewall against the AfD but refuses to support either Siegmund or incumbent CDU governor Sven Schulze as head of state, secured 5.3% and five seats. Voter turnout was notably high at 77.8%, suggesting the AfD mobilized many citizens who had not participated in the previous election.
AfD national co-leader Alice Weidel described the outcome as “sensational” and extended an open hand to other parties, saying the group is ready to work with “all who want to make Saxony-Anhalt better.” However, mainstream parties have remained firm in their exclusion of the AfD. Franziska Hoppermann, general secretary of the CDU, reiterated that the party would not collaborate with the AfD, labeling it a right-wing extremist group that seeks to leave the euro and align closely with Russia.
The political implications extend beyond the immediate deadlock. If a stable government cannot be formed without the AfD, the current divided opposition may face pressure to negotiate, as no single bloc currently holds a majority. Any coalition involving the CDU would likely require tacit support from the Left Party, a hard-left group with which the CDU has refused to form alliances in the past.
Siegmund has outlined an aggressive policy platform, including a “deportation offensive,” restrictions on social benefits for immigrants, and a push to withdraw the state from the regional public broadcaster over allegations of disinformation. The party also advocates for allowing homeschooling, banning the display of rainbow flags in schools, and lifting sanctions against Russia, although the latter requires federal action.
This election follows a similar AfD victory in neighboring Thuringia two years ago, where the party ultimately failed to take power due to a lack of majority. With Saxony-Anhalt controlling significant regional powers over education and security, the outcome represents a critical test for Germany’s democratic institutions and its ability to contain the rise of the far-right in the eastern states.
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