
AI-generated summary
The AfD state parliament president in Saxony-Anhalt is the first of his party to hold this office. His election required more votes than the available seats from the AfD and BSW combined, suggesting additional votes from other parties.
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Right-wing extremist state parliament president in Saxony-Anhalt Where do the CDU votes for the AfD come from?
Germany's first AfD state parliament president received four more votes than the AfD and BSW have seats in the Magdeburg state parliament. According to SPIEGEL information, the culprits are being sought among Christian Democrats.
By Timo Lehmann
October 6, 2026, 10:29 p.m
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The CDU parliamentary group will initiate an internal investigation into the additional votes.
Likely · Within weeks
Disciplinary measures could be taken against CDU MPs who voted for the AfD candidate.
Possible · Within months

After the election of the first AfD state parliament president in Saxony-Anhalt, SPD MPs gathered for a protest march through Berlin to Bebelplatz. They carried Basic Law books and at the end sang the national anthem to demonstrate against right-wing extremism.

After the election to the Berlin House of Representatives, over 80 signatories from politics and civil society warned against a coalition with the left in a “Berlin Appeal for Responsibility”. They demand a government majority that represents broad social interests and is committed to the rule of law and democracy. Among the first signatories are Wolfgang Thierse, Joschka Fischer and Peter Altmaier. The appeal emphasizes the protection of Jewish life and the differentiation from extremism. The Left, the Greens and the SPD are planning a third preliminary discussion to form a coalition.

Thuringia's SPD Interior Minister Georg Maier is calling for an AfD ban to be examined and cites the party's increasing proximity to Russia as a possible motive. He is confident that the evidence will be successful and expects a Federal Council decision this year.

After the election of AfD politician Tobias Rausch as state parliament president in Saxony-Anhalt, the SPD parliamentary group demonstrated in Berlin. The election of Hans-Thomas Tillschneider as Vice President is also causing a stir and debates across party lines.

Germany and France are working on a joint position paper to resolve the blockage in weakening the ban on combustion engines and the industrial accelerator law. Macron would give up his resistance to CO₂ limits, Merz would give up his rejection of strict “Made in EU” rules. The deal could enable a majority in the Council of Ministers and unblock the European Parliament before the super election year of 2027 begins.
After the election to the Berlin House of Representatives, over 80 signatories from politics and civil society warned against a coalition with the left in a 'Berlin Appeal for Responsibility'. They demand a government majority that represents broad sections of society and is committed to the rule of law and democracy. Among the first signatories are Wolfgang Thierse, Joschka Fischer and Peter Altmaier. The signatories express concerns about the protection of Jewish life and security in Berlin under a left-wing leadership. At the same time, the Left, the Greens and the SPD are planning a third preliminary discussion on forming a government.