Following a record-breaking performance in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is facing significant challenges in forming a stable government. Despite securing well over 40% of the vote and leaving all other parties far behind, the party lacks an absolute majority in the state parliament. Furthermore, cooperation with the AfD is politically off-limits for other major parties due to its classification as a confirmed far-right extremist organization by domestic intelligence agencies.
On Monday, one day after the regional election, AfD federal co-leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla joined state lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund for a press conference in Berlin. The leadership projected confidence, with Weidel declaring that the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) bloc would never again win a federal election. She set a goal of widening the party’s gap to at least 40% in the next national vote, positioning herself as a contender for chancellor.
Siegmund stated that the party extends an invitation to all political actors in Saxony-Anhalt, yet emphasized that his willingness to compromise remains limited. “We will remain true to ourselves. We will not compromise our principles,” he said. The party prioritizes the implementation of its radical platform over the immediate acquisition of power, ruling out a fragile minority government that would require case-by-case negotiations in parliament.
The AfD’s governing agenda, which has sparked intense debate across Germany, includes a complete overhaul of migration policy, accelerated deportations, and the introduction of work requirements for asylum seekers. The party has also proposed cutting funding for democracy promotion projects, launching a campaign against public broadcasting, and establishing vigilante-style groups to counter immigration and social diversity. Siegmund described these points as non-negotiable during an interview with broadcaster ARD.
CDU secretary-general Franziska Hoppermann firmly rejected any coalition possibilities, stating, “There will be no cooperation with the far left or the far right.” This leaves the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), which recently cleared the 5% threshold, as the primary unknown variable. Although BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht has previously expressed openness to substantive cooperation with the AfD, ideological differences make the BSW an unattractive partner for many within the AfD ranks. Some AfD politicians have hinted that they may prefer remaining in opposition rather than seeking allies, waiting until they can secure a majority on their own.
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