Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Merz Warns AfD Victory Could Deter Investors in Saxony-Anhalt
Germany’s eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt will hold a regional election on September 6.
The far-right AfD party is ahead in recent opinion polls.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that an AfD victory could hurt the state’s economy.
He said foreign companies might be less willing to build factories or start businesses there.
The AfD has 42% support in the cited poll, while Merz’s Christian Democrats have 22%.
The final result may depend on whether smaller parties win at least 5% of the vote.
Germany’s main parties have said they will not form a coalition with the AfD.
If no party wins a majority, the current premier may need to form a coalition or minority government.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said an AfD victory could damage Saxony-Anhalt and deter foreign investment.
The AfD leads opinion polls with 42%, compared with 22% for Merz’s Christian Democrats.
The September 6 result could leave the AfD just short of an absolute parliamentary majority.
Smaller parties’ ability to clear the 5% threshold may determine the election’s outcome.
Main parties reject coalitions with the AfD, leaving possible coalition or minority-government options for the CDU.
- Who
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the AfD, the Christian Democrats, and voters in Saxony-Anhalt.
- What
- A regional election in which the AfD is leading polls, prompting Merz to warn of economic and investment consequences.
- When
- The election is scheduled for September 6; Merz made the comments on August 30.
- Where
- Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
- Why
- Merz said an AfD victory could damage the state and deter international investors from establishing businesses there.
- Election date
- September 6
- AfD poll support
- 42%
- Christian Democrat poll support
- 22%
- Parliamentary threshold
- Smaller parties need 5% to enter the state parliament.
- Coalition position
- All main parties have said they will not enter a coalition with the AfD.
- Possible government outcomes
- The Christian Democrat premier Sven Schulze may seek a coalition or form a minority government.