Live Feeds
● LIVE Updated 8h ago · 16 sources tracked

Germany’s far right eyes small eastern state as springboard to national power

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged into first place in Sunday's Saxony-Anhalt state elections, with projections showing the party winning more than 44% of the vote. This result puts the AfD far ahead of the conservative CDU, which is projected at 18.4%. The victory represents a major breakthrough for the far-right party and a challenge to Germany's political establishment. While the AfD has called the outcome a historic result, it remains uncertain if the party can form a government on its own.

RSS Source map (16)

What changed

The AfD moved from leading polls to winning the election with a projected 44% of the vote.

Live updates

  1. AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt State Election

    The Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged into first place in Sunday's Saxony-Anhalt state elections, with projections showing the party winning more than 44% of the vote. This result puts the AfD far ahead of the conservative CDU, which is projected at 18.4%. The victory represents a major breakthrough for the far-right party and a challenge to Germany's political establishment. While the AfD has called the outcome a historic result, it remains uncertain if the party can form a government on its own.

    Why it matters

    This election could result in the first far-right state government in Germany since World War II. The AfD has used TikTok to fuel its rise in the eastern region. The party previously proposed defunding anti-German art and reducing the study of Nazi history in schools.

    What is confirmed

    • The AfD is projected to win more than 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt.
    • The CDU is projected to receive 18.4% of the vote.
    • The election could bring the first far-right state governor to power since World War II.
    • The AfD surged into first place in the state elections on Sunday.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The AfD may be unable to form a government on its own despite the win.

    What to watch next

    • Official confirmation of the final vote tally.
    • Coalition negotiations or attempts by the AfD to form a government.
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.kuow.org — Germany's far-right AfD party is poised for power in a state election
    2. apnews.com — German region votes in election that could bring first far-right state governor to power
    3. www.newsweek.com — Germany Election: AFD Wins, May Be First Far-Right Party in Power Since WW2
    4. www.cnn.com — Germany’s far-right AfD projected to win eastern state but unclear if it will be able to govern
    5. www.yahoo.com — German far-right set for big win in eastern state, projections show
    confidence 90%

  2. AfD targets cultural institutions as Saxony-Anhalt election nears

    The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is positioned to lead polls in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially securing the first far-right state government in modern German history. The party intends to use the eastern state as a launchpad for national influence. Current proposals include defunding art labeled as anti-German and reducing the focus on Nazi history in school curricula. While the AfD targets cultural symbols like the Bauhaus school, mainstream opposition warns that a victory would repel foreign investors and destabilize the region.

    Why it matters

    The AfD is leveraging eastern German sentiment to challenge the traditional political order. Success in Saxony-Anhalt would mark a shift from being an opposition force to holding executive state power. This transition raises concerns about the future of Germany's historical memory and cultural funding.

    What is confirmed

    • The Alternative for Germany is poised to top the poll in Saxony-Anhalt.
    • The AfD views the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt as a strategic springboard to national power.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The AfD proposes defunding anti-German art.
    • The AfD proposes teaching children less about the Nazi past.
    • The Bauhaus school of design has become a cultural battleground for the AfD.

    What to watch next

    • Official election results in Saxony-Anhalt
    • Formation of a state government coalition
    • Specific legislative proposals regarding school curricula if the AfD wins
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. forward.com — What would a far-right win in Germany’s east mean for Jews?
    2. jen.jiji.com — At 91, he completes the Appalachian Trail: he is the oldest hiker ever
    3. theconversation.com — Is Germany’s far right AfD about to take over a state government for the first time?
    4. apnews.com — German far-right party targets iconic Bauhaus school ahead of landmark state election
    confidence 80%

  3. AfD Seeks First State Governorship in Saxony-Anhalt

    The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is positioned to potentially win an upcoming election in Saxony-Anhalt, which would produce the first far-right state governor in modern German history. The party views the small eastern state as a strategic springboard to gain broader national power. While the AfD is poised for victory, political opposition remains strong, with mainstream parties calling for bolder responses to curb the party's ascent. Friedrich Merz has specifically warned that an AfD victory would create problems for the state and discourage outside investors.

    Why it matters

    Germany's federal system grants significant power to state governors, making a regional victory a critical milestone for any party. The AfD has focused its efforts on eastern states where support for the far right is traditionally higher. A win here would challenge the long-standing political isolation of the party by mainstream German factions.

    What is confirmed

    • The AfD is poised to win in a German state.
    • An upcoming election could produce modern Germany's first far-right state governor.
    • The AfD is targeting the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Friedrich Merz claims an AfD win in the state would put off investors.
    • Friedrich Merz warns of problems in Saxony-Anhalt under AfD leadership.

    What to watch next

    • Official election results from the Saxony-Anhalt vote.
    • Coalition negotiations between mainstream parties to block an AfD governorship.
    • Statements from national investors regarding the political shift in eastern Germany.
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. The New York Times — Far Right Is Poised to Win in a German State, but Fight Over Power Won’t End There
    2. The Guardian — The Guardian view on the rise of Germany’s AfD: mainstream parties must deliver a bolder response | Editorial
    3. dw.com — Germany: Merz warns of 'problems' in Saxony-Anhalt under AfD
    4. Bloomberg.com — Merz Says Far-Right Win in German State Would Put Off Investors
    5. AP News — An upcoming election could produce modern Germany’s 1st far-right state governor
    6. politico.eu — Germany’s far right eyes small eastern state as springboard to national power
    7. The Economist — The Alternative for Germany has plans for Saxony-Anhalt
    confidence 90%