MAGDEBURG, GERMANY - In a seismic shift for German politics, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has achieved a historic victory in the state elections of Saxony-Anhalt, preliminary exit polls revealed on Sunday. This momentous win positions the AfD on the verge of governing a German state at this level for the first time since the end of World War II.
The AfD captured a commanding 44.4% of the vote, leaving Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU trailing significantly with 18.3%. Both the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the Green Party managed to surpass the electoral threshold, securing representation in the state parliament, according to initial projections by ARD broadcaster. Turnout for the election reportedly exceeded 80%, underscoring the public's engagement.
AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund speaks to supporters during the final campaign rally on the eve of state elections in Saxony-Anhalt on September 5, 2026 in Magdeburg, Germany. (Photo by Jens Schlueter/Getty Images)
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Ulrich Siegmund, the 35-year-old AfD lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, declared, "We have made history in this country." He has repeatedly framed his victory in the state as a crucial stepping stone towards the party's national ambitions, with federal elections slated for 2029. The AfD's platform advocates for stringent immigration controls, a reset of relations with Russia, a departure from the Eurozone, and a resurgence of overt German patriotism.
This outcome represents a substantial blow to Chancellor Merz, whose personal popularity has plummeted amidst voter dissatisfaction with his proposed economic reforms and his often-criticized communication style. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel celebrated the "historic" result, asserting the party's mandate to govern, though the formation of a stable governing coalition may necessitate extensive negotiations.
Mainstream political parties have consistently refused to form alliances with the AfD, which has been classified as right-wing extremist by Germany's domestic intelligence agency. However, the AfD might find a potential coalition partner in the newly formed far-left BSW party, should it successfully clear the parliamentary threshold.
While Saxony-Anhalt, with over 2 million inhabitants and formerly part of East Germany, is not one of Germany's largest states, the election results highlight the AfD's rapid ascent since its inception in 2013. The party is currently the most popular party nationally, with polls indicating 28% support, significantly ahead of the conservatives at 20%. Although particularly strong in eastern Germany, the AfD has also demonstrated growing appeal in western states.
Hard line on migration
Despite a broader trend of right-wing parties gaining traction across Europe, Germany's historical context has historically influenced mainstream parties' reluctance to engage with the AfD. The AfD, in turn, has dismissed extremism accusations as unfounded and disrespectful to its supporters.
During its campaign, the AfD capitalized on widespread disillusionment with established political parties, which it characterized as outmoded and disconnected from public concerns. The party presented a platform of stringent policies and a vision of a return to perceived traditional values, emphasizing national pride, safer communities, and cleaner streets.
The AfD's proposed agenda includes initiatives to instill more traditional values in educational and cultural institutions, further curb immigration, and reform public broadcasting. Notably, it suggests segregated educational settings for refugee children and the mandatory daily singing of the national anthem in schools, alongside the prohibition of rainbow flags. Other proposed measures include the establishment of citizen patrols, increased Russian language instruction, and a moratorium on new wind farm construction.
Thorsten Frei, the conservative parliamentary faction leader, downplayed any suggestions that Chancellor Merz's leadership was under threat, despite Merz's low approval ratings. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil interpreted the election outcome as a significant message to the federal government in Berlin. Polls indicated that many voters defecting from the conservatives felt the party had failed to meet its commitments, with a substantial 87% of voters in the state expressing dissatisfaction with the federal government's performance.
