Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   AfD Secures Major Gains in German Elections

   The Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a significant win in a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt and an unprecedented second-place finish in federal elections. While the AfD candidate for governor, Ulrich Siegmund, narrowly missed the majority needed to form the first far-right state government since World War II, the results mark a major setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party. The CDU/CSU remains the dominant party federally, but the AfD's rise signals a shift in the German political order.

   Why it matters

   Mainstream parties previously attempted to isolate the far-right group. Recent defiance by CDU lawmakers in Saxony-Anhalt, who supported AfD member Tobias Rausch for state parliament president, foreshadowed this electoral surge.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD narrowly missed a majority to establish the first far-right state government in Germany since World War II.
   • Ulrich Siegmund was the AfD candidate for governor in Saxony-Anhalt.
   • The CDU/CSU is the dominant party in the federal election results.
   • The AfD achieved an unprecedented second position in the federal elections.

   What to watch next

   • Formation of the Saxony-Anhalt state government.
   • Official final tally of federal election seat distributions.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. gardnermagazine.com — World News of the Week – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
   2. thaitimes.com — German Federal Election Results in Conservative Win Amid ...
   3. dailyustimes.com — Far-right AfD Falls Short of Majority in German Election
   4. www.hoover.org — Middle East Conflicts Exacerbate Transatlantic Differences, Highlight Alliance Solidarity Problem | Hoover Institution
   5. jen.jiji.com — Barella: "I don't know if the victory is 100% deserved but we gave everything we had"
   6. jen.jiji.com — US Elections, simulations and lawyers: the Democrats' defense against Trump's 'threats'
   confidence 70%
2. 5d ago

   AfD gains ground in Saxony-Anhalt as CDU firewall weakens

   The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is seeing a rise in influence within the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament. At least four lawmakers from the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) have reportedly defied party orders to support the AfD. These members voted for Tobias Rausch of the AfD to serve as the president of the state parliament, signaling a breakdown in the mainstream parties' efforts to isolate the far-right group.

   Why it matters

   Mainstream German parties have historically maintained a firewall to prevent the AfD from gaining legislative power. The shift in Saxony-Anhalt suggests a growing willingness among conservative lawmakers to collaborate with the far-right. This development threatens the established political consensus in the region.

   Still unconfirmed

   • At least four CDU lawmakers voted for Tobias Rausch as the president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of the vote tally for the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament presidency
   • Public response or disciplinary actions from the CDU leadership regarding the defiant lawmakers
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. www.acquisition.gov — FAR | Acquisition.GOV
   2. www.gsa.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation - GSA
   3. unblock.federalregister.gov — eCFR :: 48 CFR Chapter 1 -- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
   4. en.wikipedia.org — Federal Acquisition Regulation - Wikipedia
   5. www.fai.gov — FAR | FAI.GOV
   6. uslawexplained.com — The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): The Ultimate Guide
   7. jen.jiji.com — Christiana Ruggeri, the Tg2 journalist, has died at 57
   8. jen.jiji.com — Guerrilla in Milan, assault on shops and looting: 200 young people stopped. Meloni convenes meeting on public order
   confidence 60%
3. 8d ago

   Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election

   Germany's mainstream parties' firewall against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is buckling, with at least four lawmakers from the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) appearing to defy party orders and vote for the AfD's Tobias Rausch as the president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament.

   Why it matters

   This development has plunged assumptions about Germany's political future into doubt as the regional government attempts to establish power. The AfD has been leading the CDU in nationwide surveys for more than a year and has declared its aim of winning a national election due in 2029. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that extremism is entering Germany's parliamentary system.

   What is confirmed

   • At least four lawmakers from mainstream parties in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt appear to have defied party orders and voted to give the AfD its first regional assembly speaker.
   • The AfD has been leading the CDU in nationwide surveys for more than a year.
   • Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that extremism is entering Germany's parliamentary system.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Karin Prien, deputy chair of the national CDU, said if CDU lawmakers were to blame, "there must be consequences".

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of the crucial German state election
   • The reaction of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the CDU to the AfD's growing influence
   • The impact on Germany's national election due in 2029
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Germany’s firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat
   2. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Germany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat
   3. www.straitstimes.com — Germany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat
   4. www.spectator.com.au — Why Germany’s AfD keeps winning | The Spectator Australia
   5. www.nbcnews.com — 2026 Mississippi Elections
   6. www.devdiscourse.com — Germany's firewall against the far-right AfD feels the heat
   confidence 90%
4. 11d ago

   German Firewall Crumbles as AfD Leader Wins Saxony-Anhalt Post

   German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that extremism is infiltrating the country's legislatures after Alternative for Germany politician Tobias Rausch secured the presidency of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament. Four unexpected votes pushed Rausch to victory, shattering the established political firewall against the far-right party. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance signaled a willingness to enter negotiations with the AfD following the vote. Rausch asserted that he received backing from members of Chancellor Merz's own camp. The development has plunged assumptions about Germany's political future into doubt as the regional government attempts to establish power.

   Why it matters

   Traditional German parties have long maintained a strict firewall refusing to cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany. The unexpected election of an AfD parliamentary president in Saxony-Anhalt indicates that boundary is weakening at the regional level. Chancellor Merz condemned the outcome as extremism entering official legislative bodies.

   What is confirmed

   • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that extremism was entering the country's legislatures after an AfD member won the state parliament presidency in Saxony-Anhalt.
   • Tobias Rausch of the Alternative for Germany was elected as parliamentary president in Saxony-Anhalt.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Tobias Rausch stated that he believes he received votes from Chancellor Friedrich Merz's camp.
   • The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance is showing a willingness to enter negotiations with the AfD following the election of Tobias Rausch.

   What to watch next

   • Whether traditional parties will formally enforce the political firewall against the AfD in upcoming regional negotiations.
   • Official confirmation of which political factions crossed party lines to supply the unexpected votes for Tobias Rausch.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.thelocal.de — 'Nothing is certain': Has Germany's firewall against the far ...
   2. www.straitstimes.com — Germany's Merz warns extremism entering parliaments after AfD ...
   3. jen.jiji.com — USA, federal agents search home of Dem congresswoman Omar in Washington
   4. jen.jiji.com — Torino-Udinese, Okoye's sensational blunder: Kulenovic thanks and scores the 2-1
   5. www.irinsider.org — The Election of the First Far-Right State Parliament Speaker ...
   6. www.yahoo.com — AfD state speaker says he received votes from Merz's ... - Yahoo
   confidence 90%
5. 13d ago

   German AfD Faces Coalition Hurdles

   The far-right Alternative for Germany party struggles to form its first state government after winning the election in Saxony-Anhalt. Political opposition creates significant challenges for the party as it attempts to establish regional power following Sunday's vote in the former communist east. Meanwhile, the electoral victory has sparked widespread fear among migrants questioning their future in eastern Germany. The party previously targeted public broadcaster funding and immigration policies, though federal authorities maintain primary jurisdiction over national immigration rules.

   Why it matters

   The Alternative for Germany party secured a major victory in Saxony-Anhalt, marking a significant milestone for the far-right movement in eastern Germany. Translating electoral success into actual governance remains difficult due to strong political opposition from other parties. The outcome highlights deep regional divisions within Germany and has generated immediate anxiety among migrant communities in the region.

   What is confirmed

   • The far-right Alternative for Germany party won the election in Saxony-Anhalt.
   • The election win has sparked fear among migrants questioning their future in eastern Germany.
   • The party is struggling to form its first state government amid political opposition.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the Alternative for Germany successfully forms a state government
   • Responses from political opponents regarding potential coalition talks
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.latimes.com — Far-right election win leaves migrants questioning their ...
   2. www.baltimoresun.com — Far-right win leaves migrants questioning future in eastern ...
   3. www.straitstimes.com — Germany’s far-right AfD struggles to form first state ...
   4. reason.com — Open Thread - Reason Magazine
   5. jen.jiji.com — Formula 1, today Singapore GP qualifying and sprint race: schedule and where to watch them (free-to-air)
   confidence 95%
6. 19d ago

   AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt state election

   The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt. Following the victory, the party is targeting the media treaty that provides funding for Germany's public broadcasters. While the party aims to shift immigration and asylum policies, its actual power to do so is limited because the German federal government maintains primary responsibility for immigration. The win occurs in the former communist east, where voters headed to the polls on Sunday.

   Why it matters

   The AfD's rise is linked to public anxiety over immigration. This victory puts pressure on traditional political structures and public media in the region.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD's victory threatens the stability of refugees and migrants in Germany.

   What to watch next

   • Legislative attempts by the AfD to alter the public broadcasting media treaty
   • Federal government responses to AfD policy proposals in Saxony-Anhalt
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. gbcode.rthk.hk — Far-right AfD poised to score key election win - RTHK
   2. www.alestiklal.net — How the Far-Right AfD’s Victory Threatens the Stability of ...
   3. www.dw.com — Germany's public broadcasters under fire from far-right AfD
   4. www.youtube.com — Die AfD greift nach der Macht: Endspiel in Sachsen-Anhalt ...
   confidence 90%
7. 21d ago

   Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election

   The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is predicted to win a significant victory in the German state election, potentially gaining power in Saxony-Anhalt. This development has raised concerns among traditional German politicians and the local immigrant population. The AfD's rise is attributed to growing public anxiety regarding immigration.

   Why it matters

   The AfD's potential victory in Saxony-Anhalt has implications for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's political future and may increase pressure on him. The party's anti-immigrant stance has created tension for national leaders in Berlin as traditional political barriers weaken against the nationalist movement.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6th, 2026.
   • The AfD is likely to struggle to form a government without an outright majority in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
   • The AfD's rise is causing widespread alarm, including among other far-right European parties.
   • The AfD is already Germany's most popular party at the national level.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The MAGA movement has celebrated the AfD's landslide victory in Saxony-Anhalt, highlighting growing links between Trump's political movement and Germany's far right.

   What to watch next

   • The AfD's attempt to form a government in Saxony-Anhalt
   • The reaction of Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the AfD's predicted win
   • The impact of the AfD's rise on German politics and international relations
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Awards: Euro-Mediterranean Excellence to Totti, Vieri and Moggi, ceremony in Rome on October 14 (2)
   2. jen.jiji.com — Macron meets Trump: "Constructive talks on Ukraine and the Red Sea". Today the tycoon meets Zelensky
   3. jen.jiji.com — New York Police, 'over 100 arrests for protests against Netanyahu's visit'
   4. jen.jiji.com — Italy-Belgium, brawl between Donnarumma and Lukaku at the final whistle: what happened
   5. roarnews.co.uk — What the AfD's Rise in Eastern Germany Means: An Analysis of Recent Elections - Roar News
   6. www.france24.com — ‘Russian sleeper cell’: Can Germany’s far-right AfD be barred from sensitive intel?
   7. www.jta.org — Germany’s far-right victory in eastern state election portends ‘disaster’ for centrists - Jewish Te....
   8. www.wionews.com — MAGA rejoices as far-right AfD wins in Germany for ... - WION
   9. cde.news — Germany’s far-right AfD scores its biggest win with Saxony ...
   10. www.cnn.com — Germany’s AfD is so extreme it’s putting off other far-right ...
   11. www.brookings.edu — Three state elections throw German politics into disarray
   12. www.unz.com — SHAMELESS! – Ray McGovern & Prof. Rick Wolff on THE WORLD THIS WEEK, by Joe Lauria - The Unz Review
   confidence 85%
8. 34d ago

   German Chancellor Merz Faces Pressure in Sunday State Elections

   German voters cast ballots on Sunday in two state elections that threaten to increase pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The political future of Merz hangs in the balance following a far-right victory in a previous regional vote earlier this month. The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party approaches potential power in Saxony-Anhalt, driving panic among the local immigrant population. This regional surge stems from growing public anxiety regarding immigration, which creates severe tension for national leaders in Berlin as traditional political barriers weaken against the nationalist movement.

   Why it matters

   The regional votes test the authority of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and challenge the established political order in Germany. The rising momentum of the nationalist movement threatens to break longstanding political walls that previously kept hard-right parties from power. This local volatility reflects widespread public anxiety over immigration policy.

   What is confirmed

   • German voters go to the polls on Sunday in two state elections.
   • The elections threaten to heap more pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

   What to watch next

   • Final election results from the Sunday state votes
   • National leadership response from Chancellor Friedrich Merz
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Middle East, US alert: "Escalation risk". Trump returns early from Camp David
   2. www.nbcnews.com — Germany’s Friedrich Merz under pressure as far-right AfD eye more regional election gains
   confidence 80%
9. 35d ago

   German Chancellor Faces Crisis Over Far-Right AfD Gains

   German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a crisis of authority and leadership as the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party gains momentum and approaches potential power in Saxony-Anhalt. The prospect of the hard-right party taking control of the state government has generated panic among the local immigrant population. This regional surge is driven by mounting public concerns over immigration. The political upheaval puts immense pressure on national leadership in Berlin as traditional political walls face collapse against the rising nationalist movement.

   Why it matters

   The Alternative for Germany has previously broken the political firewall designed to keep nationalist groups from government control. German intelligence has designated the party as extremist and xenophobic. The current regional success has national implications, testing the stability of the federal government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

   What is confirmed

   • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing a crisis of authority and leadership as immigration concerns fuel a far-right rise.
   • The anti-immigrant party known as the AfD could take power in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
   • The potential rise of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt has sparked panic among the immigrant population in the state.

   What to watch next

   • Developments regarding whether Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be forced out of leadership
   • The final outcome of the government formation in Saxony-Anhalt
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. www.nytimes.com — Far-Right Surge in German State Leaves Migrants There in Fear
   2. www.cbsnews.com — Germany's leader under huge pressure as far-right AfD gains steam, but could he be forced out?
   3. jen.jiji.com — Garlasco case, criminologist Anna Vagli indicted for defamation against Stasi
   confidence 100%
10. 41d ago

    AfD wins control of Saxony-Anhalt state government

    The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has won control of the Saxony-Anhalt state government following a regional election victory. This result marks the first time a hard-right nationalist party has a genuine prospect of power in Germany since 1945. Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled a scheduled phone call with US President Donald Trump after Trump celebrated the AfD win. The AfD previously broke the political firewall meant to keep them from power and has been designated as extremist and xenophobic by German intelligence.

    Why it matters

    The AfD is an anti-immigration party. This victory represents the party's strongest electoral performance to date. It challenges the established political order in Germany.

    What is confirmed

    • The AfD won control of the Saxony-Anhalt state government.
    • Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled a phone call with US President Donald Trump after Trump celebrated the AfD victory.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The AfD victory is an ominous coup for the far right.

    What to watch next

    • Formation of the new state government in Saxony-Anhalt
    • Further diplomatic reactions from the US and EU
    • Future electoral movements of the AfD in other German states
    Sources used for this update (4)

    1. www.theguardian.com — ‘Russia’s frontline moving west,’ Moldova’s president warns after border checkpoint attack – Europe live
    2. truthout.org — Germany’s Fascist Party Just Won Control of a State Government
    3. www.yahoo.com — Merz snubs Trump after US president backed AfD
    4. www.sportsgrid.com — Ark.-Pine Bluff vs Missouri Final Score — Sep 3
    confidence 90%
11. 45d ago

    AfD taunts Chancellor Merz after Saxony-Anhalt election victory

    The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has mocked Chancellor Friedrich Merz in parliament following a regional election victory in Saxony-Anhalt. While the AfD thrashed the Chancellor's party and broke the political firewall intended to exclude them from power, Merz maintains the party will not secure a majority. This result is the party's strongest ever and marks the first time a hard-right nationalist party has had a genuine prospect of power in Germany since 1945. German intelligence previously designated the anti-immigration party as xenophobic and extremist.

    Why it matters

    The AfD's rise challenges the established political order in Germany. The victory in Saxony-Anhalt signals a shift in eastern German politics. Establishment leaders are now attempting to curb the party's growth.

    What is confirmed

    • The AfD won a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt.
    • Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes the AfD will not win a majority.
    • German intelligence has labeled the AfD as extremist and xenophobic.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The AfD shattered the political firewall meant to keep the party out of power.
    • The German establishment is scrambling to stop the rise of the far right.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of whether the AfD meets the requirements to form a government
    • Further parliamentary responses from Chancellor Friedrich Merz
    Sources used for this update (6)

    1. www.theguardian.com — The far right + Germany
    2. heatmap.news — Heat Deaths Aren’t the Only Thing That Counts
    3. www.thenation.com — The German Far Right’s Shocking Victory in Saxony-Anhalt Is a Warning for Germany
    4. apnews.com — German far-right party taunts chancellor after its election triumph. He says it won’t win a majority
    5. www.theguardian.com — Trump center stage at RNC in midterms gamble – US politics live
    6. www.nbcnews.com — Wisconsin Secretary of State Primary Results 2026
    confidence 90%
12. 46d ago

    AfD wins best-ever election result in Saxony-Anhalt

    Voters in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt chose the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to run their government in a parliamentary election on Sunday. This victory marks the party's best-ever election result and represents the first genuine prospect of power for a hard-right nationalist party since 1945. While the AfD secured a major victory, some reports suggest the party could still fall short of the requirements needed to form a government. German intelligence has previously labeled the anti-immigration party as extremist and xenophobic.

    Why it matters

    The result signals a growing divide in German politics and raises alarms across Europe. The party's rise challenges the political firewall established by mainstream parties to keep far-right groups from power. This shift aligns with broader nationalist trends and interests involving Russia and the MAGA movement.

    What is confirmed

    • The AfD won a major parliamentary election victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.
    • The result is the best-ever election result for the Alternative for Germany.
    • German intelligence has labeled the AfD as xenophobic and extremist.
    • Tino Chrupalla, Alice Weidel, and Ulrich Siegmund appeared at a Berlin news conference following the win.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The AfD could still fall short of forming a government in Saxony-Anhalt.
    • The win is the first genuine prospect of power for a hard-right nationalist party since the fall of the Third Reich in 1945.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of whether the AfD successfully forms a government
    • Official coalition negotiations in Saxony-Anhalt
    Sources used for this update (4)

    1. www.pbs.org — Far-right AfD win signals shift in Germany, raises alarm in Europe
    2. www.hindustantimes.com — The Alternative for Germany has won its best-ever election result
    3. en.protothema.gr — BBC: How the AfD’s win shifts the balance: A blow to Merz, parallels with MAGA, Russia’s interests, and the warning bell for Europe
    4. ici.radio-canada.ca — Far-right victory in German state expected to send shockwaves throughout the world
    confidence 90%
13. 47d ago

    Far-right AfD Seeks Landmark State Victory in Germany

    Germany's anti-migrant and far-right Alternative for Germany party is positioned for power and aiming for an absolute majority in a crucial regional election in Saxony-Anhalt. Ulrich Siegmund is bringing the party to the cusp of power as voters head to the polls. The election presents an opportunity for the far-right group to breach the political firewall maintained by other established parties. Meanwhile, the political organization remains internally divided regarding whether to align itself with Donald Trump.

    Why it matters

    This regional race serves as a major test for the political stability of Germany. Established parties have traditionally refused to cooperate with the far-right formation through a strict political firewall. A major breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt could reshape the national political environment.

    What is confirmed

    • Germany's far-right AfD is seeking a landmark state victory in Saxony-Anhalt.
    • Ulrich Siegmund is bringing the AfD to the cusp of power in the German state.
    • The anti-migrant AfD is aiming for an absolute majority to breach Germany's political firewall.
    • The party is split on whether to cozy up to Trump.

    What to watch next

    • Final vote tallies from the Saxony-Anhalt state election
    • Official statements from established parties regarding the political firewall
    Sources used for this update (9)

    1. politico.eu — The far-right leader pushing Germans to forget the Nazi past
    2. CNN — Germany’s far-right AfD is poised for power – and split on whether to cozy up to Trump
    3. Reuters — Germany's far-right AfD seeks landmark state victory as Saxony-Anhalt votes
    4. dw.com — Saxony-Anhalt: Far-right AfD eyes power in German state vote
    5. The New York Times — In Germany, Ulrich Siegmund Is Bringing the AfD to the Cusp of Power
    6. The Guardian — Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election
    7. nytimes.com — Live Updates: Germany’s Far Right Eyes Breakthrough in Regional Election
    8. Sky News — Saxony-Anhalt election results live: Far-right AfD aim for absolute majority to breach Germany's political firewall
    9. Fox News — Anti-migrant AfD seeks to break Germany’s political ‘firewall’ in historic state election
    confidence 100%