AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt state election with record 43.8% vote share
Quick Look
- The Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a historic 43.8% vote share in Saxony-Anhalt's state election, its best result ever in a German state, doubling its support from five years ago.
- The CDU fell to 17.2%, its worst performance in the state, while voter turnout reached 77.8%, the highest since reunification.
- Coalition talks are complex as all parties except BSW refuse to work with AfD, and CDU rules out cooperation with the Left Party.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The AfD has been gaining support in eastern German states, while traditional parties like the CDU and SPD have declined. Saxony-Anhalt is a key state in former East Germany where voter dissatisfaction with mainstream parties has grown. The CDU's decline under Friedrich Merz contrasts with its historical strength in the region.
BERLIN, September 7. /TASS/. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party secured a decisive victory in the the Saxony-Anhalt election, receiving 43.8% of the vote, the regional election commission said in releasing preliminary official results.
This is the best result the AfD has ever achieved in a German state election, doubling its share of the vote compared to five years ago. Chancellor Friedrich Merzβs Christian Democratic Union (CDU) came in second, losing about half of its votes compared to 2021. The party received only 17.2% of the vote, marking the CDUβs worst performance in Saxony-Anhalt to date. Conservative candidates failed to win a single constituency seat.
The Social Democratic Party of Germany received 9.3% of the vote, Alliance 90/The Greens 8.9%, and the Left Party 8.6%. The BSW (formerly the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance - Reason and Justice party) also entered the state parliament with 5.3% of the vote.
Approximately 1.7 million people were eligible to vote in Saxony-Anhalt. Voter turnout was the highest in the region since German reunification, with about 77.8% of eligible voters casting ballots.
Following the election, the formation of a state government became extremely complex, as all parties except the BSW refuse to cooperate with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Moreover, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party rules out cooperation with the Left Party as well. Meanwhile, the Alternative for Germany party narrowly missed securing an absolute majority. However, it could form a regional cabinet for the first time if it receives support from the BSW.
Experts view the CDUβs defeat as a personal defeat for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and as evidence of the public's rejection of his government's policies, including those regarding Russia.
What to Watch
AI outlook β possibilities, not facts
The AfD will attempt to form a state government in Saxony-Anhalt with support from the BSW.
Possible Β· Within weeks
Coalition talks will remain difficult due to the refusal of most parties to cooperate with the AfD.
Very likely Β· Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will the BSW agree to support an AfD-led government in Saxony-Anhalt?
- How will the AfD's victory influence federal politics and Merz's leadership?
- What policy directions will an AfD-led or tolerated government pursue in Saxony-Anhalt?
