What happened
In the state election held on September 6 in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, exit polls indicated that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured between 44% and 44.5% of the votes, making it the strongest party in the state parliament.
According to preliminary exit polls from German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF, cited by DPA, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz came in second with approximately 18.5% of the votes. The Left Party received 9% to 9.5%, the Greens 8.5% to 9%, and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) 8% to 9%.
The Free Democratic Party (FDP) only garnered 2% to 2.5%, failing to cross the 5% threshold needed to enter the state parliament. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) received between 4.8% and 5%, leaving its entry into the state parliament uncertain.
Why it matters
Despite the AfD's significant lead, analysts suggest it is unlikely to secure an absolute majority in the state parliament. The party's top candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, has stated he would only run for minister-president if the AfD achieves an absolute majority and can govern alone.
All major German parties have ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, which could complicate government formation. The current state government is a coalition of the CDU, SPD, and FDP, led by Minister-President Sven Schulze from the CDU.
This election result underscores the growing support for far-right parties in eastern Germany, potentially influencing national politics and coalition dynamics ahead of future federal elections.
Key facts
The AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt with 44% to 44.5% of the votes, according to exit polls.
The CDU received about 18.5%, the Left Party 9% to 9.5%, the Greens 8.5% to 9%, and the SPD 8% to 9%.
The FDP scored only 2% to 2.5%, below the 5% threshold to enter the state parliament.
The BSW received 4.8% to 5%, with its entry into the state parliament still uncertain.
The state parliament term is five years, and the current government is a coalition of CDU, SPD, and FDP.
What to watch next
Whether the AfD can form a government or will be excluded by other parties, and whether BSW manages to enter the state parliament.
The potential impact of this result on the federal political landscape, especially regarding coalition possibilities and the stance of mainstream parties toward the AfD.