日本語
한국어
Polski
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Français
Português
Italiano
Svenska
繁體中文
Dansk
// DOSSIER — german-far-right-afd-wins-saxony-anhalt-election
German Far-Right AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt Election but Falls Short of Absolute Majority
REL_TIME: 07 Sep 2026 08:12Z · LANG: EN
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election on September 6, 2026, securing 43.8% of the vote. This marks the first time a far-right party has won a state election in Germany since World War II. However, the AfD secured 39 seats in the 83-member parliament, falling three seats short of the absolute majority required to govern alone. The result is a significant blow to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU, which saw its support halved to 17.2%. Despite the AfD's victory, mainstream parties have reaffirmed a 'firewall' policy, refusing to form a coalition with the group, leaving the state's governing path uncertain and potentially leading to a political stalemate.
// Background
Saxony-Anhalt is a state in eastern Germany where the AfD has historically found strong support. The party's platform includes 'remigration' (deportation of immigrants), lifting sanctions on Russia, and banning rainbow flags in schools. Modern Germany has not had a far-right party lead a state government since the Nazi era, making this result a significant departure from post-WWII political norms.
// Key Developments
- AfD won 43.8% of the vote, more than doubling its performance from five years ago.
- The party secured 39 seats, three short of the 42 needed for an absolute majority.
- Voter turnout reached a record high of 77.8%, up from 60.3% in 2021.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU suffered a major defeat, falling to 17.2% and 15 seats.
- The AfD branch in Saxony-Anhalt is officially classified as a 'proven right-wing extremist group' by domestic intelligence.
- International reactions included support from Elon Musk and Donald Trump, while French and Polish leaders expressed grave concern.
// Timeline
-
Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Governor Sven Schulze conduct final campaign visits in Leuna.
-
AfD holds its final campaign rally in Magdeburg on the eve of the election.
-
Polls close and initial exit polls show a massive lead for the AfD.
-
Protests against the AfD occur in Frankfurt as projections confirm the party's victory.
-
Final results confirm AfD won 43.8% of the vote but fell three seats short of an absolute majority.
// Perspectives
[Alternative for Germany (AfD)]
Claims a clear mandate to govern and intends to implement 'remigration' policies, end Ukraine aid, and withdraw from regional public broadcasting.
[Christian Democratic Union (CDU)]
Acknowledges a disastrous result but maintains a strict 'firewall' against cooperating with the AfD, viewing them as extremist.
[French Government (Benjamin Haddad)]
Describes the win as a 'serious moment' for Europe, emphasizing that nationalism and xenophobia are not solutions.
[German Economic Institute]
Warns that AfD's anti-immigration stance would be 'calamitous' for a state with an aging population dependent on foreign workers.
// Quotes
“We have written history... voters have sent a signal that things cannot carry on like this.”
“AfD is a right-wing extremist party. It wants to leave the euro; that would be economic downfall... We will not work with them.”
“Some would say it was a dark day for Saxony-Anhalt. I say this is democracy. The people have sent a clear message.”
“In Poland, only idiots or traitors can rejoice at the triumph of the AfD in Germany.”
