Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured first place in Saxony-Anhalt’s state election on Sunday.
The AfD won 44% of the vote, according to exit polls. However, the party fell short of an overall majority.
The result delivered a major setback to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives. It also highlighted growing dissatisfaction with Germany’s ruling coalition.
The election marks a major moment for the AfD. The party has moved closer to gaining power at Germany’s state level.
That would represent its strongest political breakthrough since World War Two.
The final government formation remained unclear as vote counting continued. Nevertheless, the election’s wider political impact was already evident.
Turnout reached 77%, according to broadcaster ZDF.
AfD Celebrates Historic Election Result
AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund celebrated the party’s strong performance in Saxony-Anhalt.
The 35-year-old politician attracted thousands of supporters during the campaign. He repeatedly described the state election as a first step toward national power.
“We have made history in this country,” said Siegmund.
He said voters had delivered a clear message for political change.
“The people have made it absolutely clear that they finally want political change and, above all, they have shown that they want it with us,” Siegmund said.
AfD supporters celebrated the result in Magdeburg. People waved German flags and embraced each other during the election-night gathering.
Meanwhile, the result drew attention beyond Germany. US President Donald Trump shared a screenshot of the result on Truth Social without adding a comment.
Far-right leaders elsewhere in Europe also welcomed the election outcome.
Major Setback for Friedrich Merz
The result represents a significant setback for Friedrich Merz and his conservatives.
Merz’s personal approval rating has fallen to historic lows. Voters have also shown growing dissatisfaction with his planned economic reforms.
His communication style has further contributed to criticism surrounding his leadership.
An ARD poll found that 87% of voters in Saxony-Anhalt were unhappy with the federal government.
Siegmund has described Merz as the AfD’s best campaigner because of his unpopularity in the state.
“This election result is, above all, a vote of no confidence in the federal government,” Marcel Fratzscher, president of the German Institute for Economic Research, told Reuters.
Merz has promised business-friendly reforms to revive Germany’s sluggish economy. He has also backed increased spending.
However, he warned that an AfD victory could harm Saxony-Anhalt. He also said it could discourage foreign companies from investing there.
AfD Faces Opposition From Mainstream Parties
Germany’s mainstream political parties have refused to cooperate with the AfD.
The party has been classified as right-wing extremist by the local office of Germany’s domestic intelligence service.
The AfD has rejected accusations of extremism. It has described such criticism as scaremongering and an insult to its supporters.
Meanwhile, the small Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance party, or BSW, appeared likely to cross the threshold for entering parliament.
The BSW has suggested another possible governing arrangement for Saxony-Anhalt.
Its proposal involves a non-partisan state premier. Such a government could rely on changing majorities, including AfD votes.
Siegmund rejected the proposal and described it as a “mess”.
He also ruled out arrangements that could stop the AfD from pursuing its promised political changes.
“If push comes to shove, there will simply be new elections,” he said.
Merz’s conservatives said they would explore talks with other parties. However, forming a government could require cooperation among parties with sharply different policies.
AfD Strength Continues to Grow
Saxony-Anhalt is one of Germany’s smaller states. It has a population of just over two million people.
The state was formerly part of Communist-run East Germany.
Despite its size, the election result highlights the AfD’s rapid political growth since its creation in 2013.
The AfD has also become Germany’s most popular party nationally.
A recent INSA poll placed the AfD at 28%. The conservatives stood at 20%.
The Saxony-Anhalt result therefore strengthens the party’s position ahead of Germany’s next federal election.
Siegmund has already presented the state victory as part of a longer campaign for national power.
AfD Campaign Focused on Migration
Migration remained a central issue during the AfD’s election campaign.
The party has called for major restrictions on immigration. It also supports restoring ties with Russia and reducing support for Ukraine.
In addition, the AfD wants Germany to leave the euro.
The party also appealed to voters frustrated with established political parties.
It portrayed traditional parties as tired and disconnected from ordinary people. Meanwhile, it promoted a vision centred on safer streets and national pride.
“It is clear that we need change in Germany and in Western Europe. And I believe a starting signal is definitely going out from here — whether you like it or not,” said Antony Lee, an attendee at the AfD’s election party.
“I am a father, I am an entrepreneur, and I know that things cannot continue like this in Germany.”
AfD Proposes Changes to Schools and Culture
The AfD’s programme also includes changes to Germany’s schools and cultural institutions.
The party wants schools and cultural institutions to promote what it considers more traditional values.
It also proposes curbing immigration and restructuring public broadcasting.
Among its proposals is the creation of separate classes for children of refugees.
The party has also called for banning rainbow flags in schools. Additionally, it wants the German national flag displayed every day.
Another proposal would require students and staff to sing the national anthem during school celebrations.
The AfD has also proposed citizen patrols in communities.
Its programme includes increasing Russian language teaching in schools. It also calls for a halt to the construction of new wind farms.
What the Saxony-Anhalt Result Means
The AfD’s first-place finish has changed the political conversation in Saxony-Anhalt.
The party secured 44% of the vote but did not win an overall majority. Therefore, forming a government remains uncertain.
At the same time, mainstream parties continue to reject cooperation with the AfD.
The conservatives now face the challenge of finding potential governing partners. However, those discussions could involve parties with very different political positions.
The result also reflects wider dissatisfaction with Germany’s federal government.
For the AfD, however, the election represents a significant breakthrough. The party can now point to Saxony-Anhalt as evidence of its growing electoral strength.
Siegmund has already framed the victory as a step toward national power.
As Germany’s political landscape continues to fragment, the Saxony-Anhalt election has given the AfD renewed momentum.
The outcome has also placed fresh pressure on Merz’s conservatives and Germany’s mainstream political parties.
