Alternative for Germany (AfD)
Far-Right AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt State Election, Seeks Governing Alliances
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a significant victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, securing 43.8% of the vote according to TASS, and approximately 44% to 44.5% according to other exit polls, making it the largest party. This result, which doubled its vote share from the previous state election, is the AfD's best-ever performance in any German state. The AfD won about 39 of the 83 seats in the state assembly, falling short of an outright majority and requiring alliances to form a government. AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund claimed a "very clear mandate to govern" and stated the party would seek a stable majority. The victory has sparked debate in Germany and raised concerns across Europe, with some sources noting it is the first time since 1945 that a far-right party is close to state-level power in Germany. The SPD has cast doubt on reforms agreed with Chancellor Merz's CDU, and Merz himself is being questioned within his own party. AfD party leader Alice Weidel has set a new national target of at least 40 percent for the party and called Chancellor Merz a "burden" for Germany's development.
