Far-Right AfD Wins Historic Election in Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt

The Alternative for Germany, or AfD, emerged as the strongest party in Saxony-Anhalt after winning about 44% of the vote, more than doubling its support from the previous state election. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s center-right Christian Democratic Union suffered a major setback, receiving about 17% and recording one of its weakest performances in the eastern German state. The AfD won 39 of the state parliament’s 83 seats, leaving it just short of the 42 seats required for an outright majority.

The result represents a major breakthrough for the AfD, which has long faced a political firewall from Germany’s mainstream parties that have generally refused to cooperate with it. The party is known for its anti-immigration platform and opposition to several elements of Germany’s European and foreign policy, including support for Ukraine. Germany’s domestic intelligence authorities classify the AfD as an extremist organization in some parts of the country, while the party has rejected such characterizations. AfD leaders are now seeking support from individual conservative lawmakers as they explore whether they can form a government despite falling short of a majority.