Germany's far-right AfD aims for breakthrough in state election

Live updates

1. 24m ago

   AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt state election

   The far-right Alternative for Germany party won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, securing a projected vote share of more than 44%. This result places the AfD far ahead of the conservative CDU, which received 18.4%. While the party achieved a major victory, reports indicate it fell short of an absolute majority. German intelligence has previously labeled the anti-immigration party as extremist and xenophobic. The outcome represents a significant challenge to the mainstream political establishment and Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

   Why it matters

   This victory marks the first time a far-right party has won a state election since the Nazi era. The result highlights a growing political divide within Germany and has raised concerns across Europe. The AfD focuses heavily on anti-immigration policies.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt.
   • The AfD is an anti-immigration party.
   • The AfD is projected to win more than 44% of the vote.
   • The CDU received 18.4% of the vote.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD fell short of an absolute majority.
   • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was crushed by the AfD in the regional election.

   What to watch next

   • Coalition negotiations to form a government in Saxony-Anhalt
   • Official final vote tally confirmation
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.newsweek.com — Germany Election: AFD Wins, May Be First Far-Right Party in Power Since WW2
   2. www.yahoo.com — German far-right set for big win in eastern state, projections show
   3. ca.news.yahoo.com — German chancellor faces tough times after first far-right party's state election win since Nazi era
   4. www.pbs.org — Far-right AfD win signals shift in Germany, raises alarm in Europe
   5. www.wwno.org — 5 dead after crash at Miami Airport. And, Germany's far-right wins state election
   6. politicstoday.org — Far-Right AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt Election but Falls Short of Majority
   7. www.yahoo.com — The rise of the AfD should be a lesson, but politicians are not listening
   confidence 90%
2. 1d ago

   AfD Seeks Landmark Victory in Saxony-Anhalt Election

   Voting has begun in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt as the anti-migrant Alternative for Germany party pursues a potential landmark victory. Led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, the far-right group holds a commanding lead in polls and could capture its first state-level power since World War Two. The outcome depends on whether the party secures an absolute majority or falls short, and whether smaller parties clear the 5% threshold to enter parliament. Political analysts indicate that coalition negotiations or alternative alliances involving other parties like the CDU and Die Linke may follow if the breakthrough fails.

   Why it matters

   The AfD has maintained a commanding lead in regional polls for months, raising alarms across Germany about a potential breakthrough for a far-right party at the state level. Mainstream parties maintain a political firewall against cooperating with the group, though regional coalitions may force difficult choices involving other political factions. Concurrently, Germany is participating in broader European efforts alongside Austria, Greece, Denmark and the Netherlands to establish external migrant return facilities outside the European Union.

   What is confirmed

   • Voting in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt began on Sunday in an election where the Alternative for Germany could become the first far-right party to take power at a state level since World War Two.
   • Led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD has been polling ahead for months in Saxony-Anhalt.
   • Five European nations, including Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark and the Netherlands, agreed on concrete steps toward a deal with a non-European Union country on return facilities for migrants without legal residency.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Political scientist Michael Kolkmann stated that if faced with a choice between the AfD or working with Die Linke, the CDU will opt for the latter.
   • The AfD has a genuine chance to take an absolute majority on Sunday evening, particularly if several smaller parties fail to clear Germany's 5% threshold to enter parliament.

   What to watch next

   • Election results from Saxony-Anhalt showing whether the AfD secures an absolute majority or falls short.
   • Potential coalition talks and decisions by other parties such as the CDU regarding regional alliances if the AfD fails to make a breakthrough.
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. english.aawsat.com — Five European Nations Seek Deals to Send Migrants Out of the EU
   2. www.foxnews.com — Anti-migrant AfD seeks to break Germany’s political ‘firewall’ in historic state election
   3. www.cnbc.com — Germany's far-right AfD seeks landmark state victory as Saxony-Anhalt votes
   4. www.nbcnews.com — Germany’s far-right AfD eyes landmark state victory as Saxony-Anhalt votes
   5. www.yahoo.com — Germany on edge as far-right AfD seeks power in state election
   6. en.ilsole24ore.com — Saxony-Anhalt: coalition talks after the election, if the AfD fails to make a breakthrough
   7. www.aljazeera.com — Germany’s far-right AfD eyes historic first in state election
   confidence 95%
3. 2d ago

   AfD seeks power in Saxony-Anhalt state election

   The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised for a potential breakthrough in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. The party's rise, fueled in part by TikTok, has raised fears that Germany could see its first far-right governor since World War II. This surge comes as the AfD targets cultural symbols like the Bauhaus school and pushes for a shift in how the country views its Nazi past. Minority groups have expressed fear that a victory in this regional contest could signal a broader trend of far-right ascent in German politics.

   Why it matters

   Saxony-Anhalt is a key battleground in eastern Germany where the AfD has gained significant traction. This election tests the efficacy of strategies used by mainstream politicians to contain far-right growth. A victory would represent a significant shift in the post-war democratic order of the Federal Republic.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD is seeking a breakthrough in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
   • The AfD has targeted the Bauhaus school ahead of the election.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD is pushing Germans to forget the Nazi past.
   • Friedrich Merz will lose the regional election regardless of the result.

   What to watch next

   • Official results of the Saxony-Anhalt state election
   • Appointment of the state governor
   • Reaction from federal German leadership to the election outcome
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. The Economist — The Alternative for Germany has plans for Saxony-Anhalt
   2. The Guardian — The shadow of the AfD hangs over German democracy – but I still have faith in my adopted country
   3. politico.eu — How Merkel and Merz lost eastern Germany to the AfD
   4. The Telegraph — The rise of the Russian German
   5. AP News — German far-right party targets iconic Bauhaus school ahead of landmark state election
   6. Reuters — Germany's far-right AfD aims for breakthrough in state election
   7. politico.eu — The far-right leader pushing Germans to forget the Nazi past
   8. Reuters — Explainer: How will the result of the Saxony-Anhalt election be decided?
   9. The Guardian — ‘This could just be the beginning’: minorities fear first far-right win in German state election
   10. politico.eu — Friedrich Merz will lose Sunday’s regional election — whatever the result
   11. The New York Times — Opinion | Something Alarming Is About to Happen in Germany
   12. The New York Times — Germany’s Far Right, Edging Close to Power, Remains Close to Extremists
   confidence 80%