AfD’s new state MPs include ex-Stasi officer, former porn actor, neopagans and neo-Nazis
Tobias Rausch of the Alternative for Germany party has been elected president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament, marking the first time a far-right legislator has held the position since World War II. Rausch secured forty-eight votes despite the AfD holding only thirty-nine of the eighty-three seats, receiving backing from the left-wing Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht party and likely members of the Christian Democratic Union. While opponents label the outcome a watershed moment, supporters of the party note the role is largely symbolic.
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- ✓ Tobias Rausch of the Alternative for Germany party was elected president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament.
- ✓ A far-right legislator has not held the position of speaker in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament since World War II.
- ✓ The AfD secured nearly forty-four percent of the vote during the September sixth regional election.
What changed
Tobias Rausch was elected as the first far-right president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament since World War II.
Live updates
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German State Parliament Elects First Far-Right Speaker
Tobias Rausch of the Alternative for Germany party has been elected president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament, marking the first time a far-right legislator has held the position since World War II. Rausch secured forty-eight votes despite the AfD holding only thirty-nine of the eighty-three seats, receiving backing from the left-wing Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht party and likely members of the Christian Democratic Union. While opponents label the outcome a watershed moment, supporters of the party note the role is largely symbolic.
Why it matters
The election follows a September sixth regional vote where the AfD secured nearly forty-four percent of the vote, outperforming all other parties. This breakthrough builds on the party's rising support across state elections, which is testing Germany's political centre. Meanwhile, the victory has drawn celebration from the MAGA movement in the United States, pointing to deepening international ties between the American right and Germany's far right.
What is confirmed
- Tobias Rausch of the Alternative for Germany party was elected president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament.
- A far-right legislator has not held the position of speaker in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament since World War II.
- The AfD secured nearly forty-four percent of the vote during the September sixth regional election.
Still unconfirmed
- Extra votes for Rausch came from the left-wing Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht party and likely from members of the mainstream Christian Democratic Union.
What to watch next
- Future voting patterns in the Saxony-Anhalt parliament involving the Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht and Christian Democratic Union parties.
- Broader political reactions across Europe and Germany to the AfD securing a key parliamentary post.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.wionews.com — MAGA rejoices as far-right AfD wins in Germany for ... - WION
- www.theguardian.com — State parliament elects Germany’s first far-right speaker ...
- www.bbc.com — AfD candidate Rausch elected speaker of German regional parliament for first time
- www.thetrumpet.com — German State’s New Far-Right Leader | theTrumpet.com
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AfD State Gains Test German Politics
Germany's Alternative for Germany party has strengthened its political standing following a series of state elections, prompting renewed national and European debates over its rising voter support and potential paths to governance. CNN reporters Sophie Tanno and Joseph Ataman indicate that these regional advances are testing the strength of Germany's political centre and shaping how other European right-wing factions view cooperation with the party. The electoral momentum follows an AfD state victory in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party previously secured a leading position in regional polls.
Why it matters
The electoral gains in eastern Germany challenge Chancellor Friedrich Merz and raise broader concerns across European politics regarding the mainstreaming of far-right movements. Saxony-Anhalt features an aging population and low-income rates among its 2.14 million residents and 1.7 million eligible voters. Regional dominance by the party continues to pressure traditional political parties and alter the country's legislative dynamics.
What is confirmed
- Germany's Alternative for Germany has strengthened its position in a series of state elections.
Still unconfirmed
- Ulrich Siegmund relies on a network of hidden backers, according to Der Westen.
What to watch next
- Decisions by other European right-wing parties regarding formal cooperation with the AfD.
- Potential coalition negotiations or legislative blockades following the regional state votes.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- ground.news — AfD Gains Test Germany’s Political Centre, Europe’s Right
- www.derwesten.de — Neonazis, Straftäter: Ulrich Siegmunds Helfer, von denen du ...
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AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt Election Amid Regional Surge
The far-right Alternative for Germany party won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, 2026, launching a series of three regional votes in eastern Germany that included Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin on September 20. Staff writer Katharina Kayser reported that Saxony-Anhalt contains a population of 2.14 million people and 1.7 million eligible voters, facing low-income rates and an aging population. An Insa poll shows the party surging to 29 percent, widening its lead over the CDU/CSU at 20 percent. This regional dominance is weakening Chancellor Friedrich Merz and causing alarm across European politics.
Why it matters
Saxony-Anhalt previously operated under a coalition government of the CDU, FDP, and SPD, led by Sven Schulze after he took over from Rainer Haseloff earlier in the year. The region hosted approximately 193,000 migrants at the end of 2025, struggling against an aging demographic that migration fails to sustain. The rise of the far-right party now extends beyond regional boundaries, dominating national politics and causing concern among mainstream and other far-right parties in Europe.
What is confirmed
- The Alternative for Germany won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, 2026.
- Regional elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin followed on September 20, 2026.
- Saxony-Anhalt has a population of 2.14 million people, including 1.7 million eligible voters.
- A new Insa poll shows the Alternative for Germany surging to 29 percent.
Still unconfirmed
- The victory in the former East German state weakens Chancellor Friedrich Merz's influence and causes widespread alarm among other far-right European parties.
What to watch next
- Government formation talks and coalition outcomes in Saxony-Anhalt following the election
- Further regional and national polling data following the 29 percent Insa poll result
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.theguardian.com — The far right
- www.telegraph.co.uk — Alternative for Germany (AfD)
- roarnews.co.uk — What the AfD's Rise in Eastern Germany Means: An Analysis of Recent Elections - Roar News
- www.cnn.com — Germany’s AfD is so extreme it’s putting off other far-right ...
- en.parapolitika.gr — AfD Surges to 29% in New Poll, Widening Lead Over Merz’s ...
- www.lefigaro.fr — “Trump and Putin Are Popping Champagne”: The AfD’s Victory in ...
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AfD Seeks Government Allies After Saxony-Anhalt Election Wins
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is attempting to form a state government in Saxony-Anhalt following an election victory. The party's newly elected representatives face scrutiny due to a membership roster that includes neo-Nazis, neopagans, a former porn actor, and a former Stasi officer. These wins have caused anxiety among Turkish residents in Germany. The party's rise is characterized by an anti-systemic diagnosis of the German state and messaging that mirrors that of Vladimir Putin.
Why it matters
The AfD's success in regional elections could influence Germany's approach to the war in Ukraine. The party positions itself as an opponent of the current state system.
Still unconfirmed
- The AfD's new state MPs include a former porn actor, neopagans, neo-Nazis, and a former Stasi officer.
- Turkish residents in Germany are anxious following the AfD wins in Saxony-Anhalt.
- AfD messaging mirrors that of Vladimir Putin.
What to watch next
- Whether other parties agree to form a coalition government with the AfD.
- The impact of the AfD victory on German policy regarding the war in Ukraine.
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (8)
- mynews13.com — Florida puts 2 men to death Tuesday following murder convictions
- The New York Times — With Messaging That Mirrors Putin’s, Germany’s Far-Right Party Gains Ground
- The Christian Science Monitor — What the far right’s victory in Germany could mean for the war in Ukraine
- Reuters — After election triumph, German far-right seeks allies to form state government
- The Guardian — AfD’s new state MPs include ex-Stasi officer, former porn actor, neopagans and neo-Nazis
- Adam Tooze | Substack — Chartbook 474: The state is the problem - the AfD’s anti-systemic diagnosis of contemporary Germany.
- dw.com — Turks in Germany anxious after AfD wins in Saxony-Anhalt
- www.theguardian.com — AfD’s new state MPs include ex-Stasi officer, former porn actor, neopagans and neo-Nazis
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