Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Germany’s AfD Seeks Historic Breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt Vote
People in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt voted in an important regional election.
The AfD, a far-right party, was leading in opinion polls with more than 40% support.
If it wins enough seats alone, it could lead the state government without joining another party.
That would be a major change because mainstream parties usually refuse to govern with the AfD.
The AfD says it wants less immigration and more traditional values in schools and cultural institutions.
The Christian Democrats were in second place in the polls.
If no party wins alone, the Christian Democrats may try to build a coalition or minority government.
The election is also being watched as a possible sign of how Germany’s national politics may develop.
The AfD polled above 40% and could become the first far-right party to lead a German state government since World War Two.
Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund said he aims to win at least 45% and has ruled out coalition talks.
The Christian Democrats were polling at about 23%, while several smaller parties risked missing Germany’s 5% parliamentary threshold.
If the AfD falls short of an outright majority, incumbent premier Sven Schulze and the CDU are considered the most likely alternative.
Turnout reached 34.72% by noon, compared with 22.4% at the same point in the 2021 state election.
- Who
- Voters in Saxony-Anhalt, led electorally by the Alternative for Germany under candidate Ulrich Siegmund and challenged by the Christian Democrats under incumbent premier Sven Schulze.
- What
- A state election that could allow the AfD to lead a German state government for the first time since World War Two.
- When
- Voting took place on Sunday, with polls closing at 6 p.m. local time and initial results expected shortly afterward.
- Where
- Saxony-Anhalt, eastern Germany, including the state capital Magdeburg.
- Why
- The election is being watched as a test of the AfD’s growing support, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s political strategy, and the prospects for Germany’s 2029 federal election.
AfD Position
Mainstream Parties’ Position
Government participation
AfD Position
The AfD is seeking an outright majority that would allow it to govern without relying on the political firewall or coalition partners.
Mainstream Parties’ Position
Mainstream parties refuse to govern with the AfD, making a Christian Democrat-led coalition or minority government the likely alternative if the AfD lacks a majority.
Policy direction
AfD Position
The AfD plans to curb immigration and promote more traditional values in schools and cultural institutions while overhauling public broadcasting.
Mainstream Parties’ Position
The Christian Democrats, led in the state by Sven Schulze, offer the main alternative government, though the available coalition options may be complicated.
Political significance
AfD Position
Ulrich Siegmund described the party’s rise in Saxony-Anhalt as part of a movement spreading across Germany and a test of its ambitions for national power.
Mainstream Parties’ Position
The election is being treated as a barometer for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government and his tougher approach to migration and security.
- AfD polling
- Just over 40% in recent surveys
- Christian Democrat polling
- About 23%
- AfD majority target
- Ulrich Siegmund said he aims for 45% or more
- Voter turnout by noon
- 34.72%, compared with 22.4% in 2021
- Parliamentary threshold
- Parties generally need 5% of the vote to enter parliament
- Election deadline
- The new state parliament must convene by October 6
- Likely alternative outcome
- A Christian Democrat-led administration under Sven Schulze if the AfD falls short