The right-wing extremist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party recorded a notable victory in the election in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. However, it did not achieve the majority necessary to establish the first far-right state government in the country since World War II. Chancellor Friedrich Merz‘s party faced significant setbacks.
The AfD’s gubernatorial candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, stated, “We have made history,” asserting that the party has received a clear mandate to govern. In an interview with the public broadcaster ARD, Siegmund remarked that the election results indicate voters are calling for change, saying, “things cannot continue as they are.” He further acknowledged that Friedrich Merz’s policies played a pivotal role in favour of the extremist party during this election cycle.
AfD sought an absolute majority
The AfD aimed for an absolute majority in the state legislature to govern independently, but ultimately fell three seats short, securing 39 lawmakers in the 83-member parliament. Party leader Siegmund stated they would not pursue a minority government, raising questions about how divided opponents could form a stable government without them. Achieving a state government would be a significant milestone for the AfD amid growing discontent with the national government and its sluggish economy.
The outcome is a setback for Merz, whose centre-right party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has led Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years. Unlike other European countries, Germany has not had a far-right or right-wing populist party in government at any level.
The AfD is the largest opposition party in Germany’s national parliament, with strong support in the economically disadvantaged eastern regions, including Saxony-Anhalt. Their regional branch is classified as a recognised right-wing extremist group, cited for denigrating migrants from Muslim countries.
The party advocates for “remigration,” a politically charged term for the deportation of immigrants. AfD denies accusations of extremism, claiming they are politically motivated.
Big decline for Merz’s CDU
The Alternative for Germany won 43.8% of the vote, more than double its showing five years ago, in a region of 2.1 million people. This result put AfD well ahead of the CDU, which received 17.2% and lost about half its previous support, resulting in 15 seats. The centre-left Social Democrats garnered 9.3%, while both the Greens and the Left Party received around 8.6%, winning eight seats each. The pro-Russian left-wing populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – Reason and Justice (BSW), which has criticised the “firewall” against AfD, captured 5.3% of the vote and secured five seats. Voter turnout was high at 77.8%.
AfD appears to have attracted many voters who did not participate in the last election. Alice Weidel, AfD’s national co-leader, called the result “sensational” and reached out to those interested in improving Saxony-Anhalt.
Sven Schulze, Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, congratulated AfD on becoming the strongest political force but did not specify how the CDU would respond. Franziska Hoppermann, the CDU’s national general secretary, reiterated the CDU’s refusal to work with the AfD, labelling it a right-wing extremist party.
AFD previously won a state election in Thuringia two years ago but did not govern. Any alliance against AfD would be complicated, requiring support from the Left Party, with whom the CDU refuses to partner.
Germany’s states have extensive powers
Germany’s 16 states have significant powers, including managing security and education. Sigmund’s priorities include launching a “deportation offensive” and reducing incentives for those who exploit the social system. He also seeks to withdraw Saxony-Anhalt from the regional public broadcaster due to concerns about “disinformation.”
The AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt supports legalising homeschooling, which is currently banned, and wants to prohibit schools from displaying the rainbow flag, advocating instead for the national flag.
Additionally, they oppose using taxpayer money for Ukraine and aim to lift sanctions against Russia, although this is beyond state control. While the state governments participate in Germany’s upper house of parliament, Saxony-Anhalt holds limited influence with only four votes out of 69.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
