Archive · 8 Sep 2026
AfD claims CDU lawmakers secretly support government bid in Germany
Germany’s AfD party won the most seats in an election in Saxony-Anhalt.
It won 39 of the 83 seats, but it needs three more seats for a majority.
Other parties have promised not to form a government with the AfD.
This agreement is known as the firewall.
AfD leaders say some members of Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU may break that agreement and support them.
The AfD has not provided clear proof of this claim.
Another party called BSW has also suggested it might help the AfD.
Supporters say the largest party should be allowed to seek power.
Critics say parties are free to decide whom they will support.
The AfD won 39 of 83 seats in Saxony-Anhalt, taking 43.8% of the vote.
The CDU won 17.2% and is more than 20 seats behind the AfD.
The AfD needs three additional seats or outside support to form a government.
AfD leaders Maximilian Krah and Alice Weidel claim some CDU lawmakers may support them.
The CDU support claim remains unverified, while BSW has suggested it could back the AfD.
- Who
- Germany’s AfD, the CDU, BSW, and other parties in Saxony-Anhalt; AfD leaders Maximilian Krah and Alice Weidel made the support claims.
- What
- The AfD claims that some CDU lawmakers may support its attempt to form a state government.
- When
- After Sunday’s Saxony-Anhalt state election; the article does not provide a date.
- Where
- Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
- Why
- The AfD won 39 of 83 seats but needs three more for a majority, while other parties have pledged not to cooperate with it under the firewall policy.
Firewall supporters
AfD supporters and potential allies
Whether the AfD should enter government
Firewall supporters
Moderate parties say they should not cooperate or form a coalition with the AfD under the firewall policy.
AfD supporters and potential allies
The AfD and potential allies argue that the largest party should be able to seek support and form a government.
Meaning of democratic choice
Firewall supporters
Critics say parties and lawmakers are democratically entitled to refuse support for another party.
AfD supporters and potential allies
AfD supporters argue that denying the largest party access to government violates democratic principles.
CDU lawmakers’ alleged support
Firewall supporters
The reported CDU support has not been independently confirmed and may be political boasting by the AfD.
AfD supporters and potential allies
AfD leaders claim CDU lawmakers are frustrated with the election result and may break the firewall.
- AfD seats
- 39 of 83 seats
- AfD vote share
- 43.8%
- CDU vote share
- 17.2%
- Seats needed for majority
- Three additional seats
- Claimed CDU support
- AfD leaders say some CDU lawmakers may support them, but the claim is unverified.
- Potential BSW role
- BSW has suggested it could support the AfD in forming a government.
- Firewall policy
- Moderate parties have pledged not to cooperate or form a coalition with the AfD.