AfD Seeks Path to Power in Saxony-Anhalt Despite Coalition Deadlock

In the recent state election in Saxony-Anhalt, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved its strongest electoral performance to date, capturing over 40% of the vote and significantly outpacing all competitors. Despite this landslide result, the party does not hold an absolute majority in the state parliament, complicating its ability to govern independently.

Forming a coalition remains a formidable challenge because the AfD is classified as a “confirmed far-right extremist” organization by domestic intelligence agencies. Consequently, other political parties have established a strict firewall, declaring any cooperation with the AfD off the table.

On election night, AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund addressed the situation on public broadcaster ARD, stating, “As a democrat, I will reach out to all those who wish to work with us to bring about a fundamental political turnaround.” However, he conceded that no suitable partners for a coalition currently exist, specifically pointing to the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The CDU, which currently leads coalitions in both the state and federal governments, maintains its policy of isolation toward the AfD.

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel criticized the CDU’s stance on ZDF television, arguing that the party’s refusal to collaborate was a political failure. “The CDU will not win another election — not a federal election. And this clearly gives the AfD a mandate to govern. Because we are democrats, we do not refuse to work with others,” Weidel said.

Siegmund emphasized that his priority is the implementation of the party’s radical platform rather than the acquisition of power itself. “There will be no compromise with me,” he asserted, reiterating his campaign promise to govern alone to drive fundamental change in Germany. The AfD’s platform includes drastic restrictions on asylum and immigration, mandatory work requirements for certain asylum seekers, and a complete reversal of migration policy.

Beyond immigration, the party advocates for significant societal restructuring, including defunding democracy projects, attacking public broadcasting, and establishing civilian groups to monitor migrants. Siegmund described these measures as non-negotiable.

One potential route to governance involves a minority government, where the AfD would need to secure support from other parties for specific policies. Weidel acknowledged this possibility, noting, “Who ultimately forms the government — perhaps through a tolerance agreement or even a coalition — remains to be seen.”