Politico EU3 hours agoPolitics1 min read

AfD leads in Saxony-Anhalt regional election exit polls

Quick Look

Exit polls show the Alternative for Germany (AfD) leading with 44.5% in Saxony-Anhalt's regional election, potentially giving the far-right party real governing power for the first time since WWII, while CDU trails at 18.5%.

AI-generated summary

Why It Matters

The AfD is seeking to become the first far-right party to hold real governing power in Germany since World War II through the Saxony-Anhalt regional election.

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BERLIN — Exit polls suggest the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is on track to win Sunday’s crucial regional election in Saxony-Anhalt that will determine whether the far right will hold a position of real power in the country for the first time since World War II.

According to an exit poll by the broadcaster ARD, the AfD was on course to secure first place, with 44.5 percent of the vote. A similar poll on ZDF put support for the AfD at 44 percent.

The same polls put the Christian Democratic Union party of Chancellor Friedrich Merz in second place, on 18.5 percent.

The big question is whether the AfD’s lead will ultimately be large enough for it to govern, or whether other parties will be able to form a coalition against it.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

Other parties will attempt to form a coalition to exclude the AfD from governing Saxony-Anhalt
Likely · Within days

Open Questions

Will the AfD's vote share be sufficient to form a government?
Which parties might form a coalition to block the AfD from power?
What will be the policy implications if the AfD gains governing authority in Saxony-Anhalt?