AI-generated summary
The state election in Saxony-Anhalt took place in the context of increasing support for the AfD, which is classified as right-wing extremist by the state Office for the Protection of the Constitution. The CDU and SPD had achieved significantly better results in previous elections.
Audio player is loading
Click here to have WELT articles preferred in Google searches.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The CDU will review its federal policy in order to regain lost voter trust.
Likely · Within weeks
The SPD will focus on affordable living conditions to raise its profile.
Likely · Within months
There will be no coalition between the CDU/SPD and AfD at the state level in Saxony-Anhalt.
Very likely · Within weeks
The CDU is experiencing an unusual silence at the Maritim Hotel in Magdeburg after the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, as the AfD achieved over 40 percent and its own party remained under 20 percent, indicating a drastic change in voters.

After the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the BSW is expected to enter the state parliament and could play a key role in forming a government. The AfD is signaling its willingness to tolerate a government with BSW support, while the BSW is initially aiming for an expert government and, in the event of a third round of voting, could allow the AfD candidate to be elected by abstaining.

The AfD probably cannot form a government without a partner. Election winner Siegmund proposes new elections. US President Trump has reacted to the success of the right-wing extremist party in Saxony-Anhalt.

The AfD wins the state election in Saxony-Anhalt with 44 percent of the vote, doubling its 2021 result. The country is divided: While AfD supporters see the party as competent in economics and peace policy and attribute to it the feeling of being a "carer", non-AfD voters reject an AfD government as a threat to democracy. The CDU lost heavily to 17 percent, but benefited from the age structure of the voters.

The state elections in Saxony-Anhalt show a weakening CDU under Friedrich Merz, gains for the SPD and the Greens through strategic voters, no FDP comeback under Wolfgang Kubicki, the BSW as a power factor despite internal party quarrels and strong AfD support among former non-voters.

The Left remains the third strongest force in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt. Das Erste reports on the voters' motivations and their wishes, supported by survey graphics from infratest dimap.