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The far-right leader pushing Germans to forget the Nazi past

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won approximately 44% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6, 2026. The party defeated the conservatives led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, placing the AfD within reach of governing a German state for the first time since World War II. The victory follows a campaign focused on nativism, opposition to immigration, and attempts to relativize the Nazi era. German intelligence has labeled the party as extremist and xenophobic.

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What changed

The AfD secured first place with about 44% of the vote, defeating Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives.

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  1. AfD wins first place in Saxony-Anhalt state election

    The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won approximately 44% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6, 2026. The party defeated the conservatives led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, placing the AfD within reach of governing a German state for the first time since World War II. The victory follows a campaign focused on nativism, opposition to immigration, and attempts to relativize the Nazi era. German intelligence has labeled the party as extremist and xenophobic.

    Why it matters

    Germany's postwar democracy was designed specifically to prevent the return of right-wing extremism. This result signals a potential collapse of the anti-fascist consensus established after the defeat of the Nazis. The win reflects a growing political divide and widespread voter dissatisfaction with the cost-of-living crisis.

    What is confirmed

    • The AfD won approximately 44% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
    • The AfD defeated the conservatives led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
    • The AfD is anti-immigration and has been labeled as extremist and xenophobic by German intelligence.
    • The party's platform includes efforts to relativize Germany's Nazi past.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The AfD did not win the supermajority it sought in the election.
    • German football clubs are experiencing violent political debates following the election success.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of whether the AfD secures an absolute majority or forms a coalition government.
    • Official response from the German federal government regarding the state's governance.
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. theconversation.com — Even if it doesn’t form government, the far‑right AfD has shaken Germany’s political establishment to the core
    2. time.com — The AfD Is Rising. Germany’s Political Center Is Failing.
    3. www.nytimes.com — German football and the far right: ‘If we see that flag again, we’ll shoot you’
    4. www.bolnews.com — AfD takes first place in Saxony-Anhalt election
    5. www.pbs.org — Far-right AfD win signals shift in Germany, raises alarm in Europe
    6. www.cnn.com — The far right’s win in Germany is sending a chill through the establishment in Europe
    7. apnews.com — German vote shows rise of far-right in Europe, but it hasn’t been a steady march
    8. www.usatoday.com — Far-right election win leaves Germany's leader Merz shaken
    confidence 90%

  2. AfD Poised for First Far-Right State Victory Since WWII in Saxony-Anhalt

    The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is positioned to take power in Saxony-Anhalt following state elections held Sunday, September 6, 2026. Led by 35-year-old candidate Ulrich Siegmund, the party has polled ahead for months and may secure an absolute majority if smaller parties fail to meet the 5% parliamentary threshold. This outcome would mark the first time a far-right party has governed a German state since World War II, fueled in part by a surge in TikTok engagement. Results are expected tonight in Magdeburg, the former East German communist capital.

    Why it matters

    The AfD's rise reflects a broader European trend where over half of the EU's 27 member states are now influenced by right-wing factions opposing mass immigration. In Germany, this shift coincides with internal pressures on the federal government and external Russian hybrid campaigns. The party's success in Saxony-Anhalt is intended to serve as a model for AfD rule nationwide.

    What is confirmed

    • The AfD is seeking to become the first far-right party to take power at a state level in Germany since World War II.
    • Voting took place on Sunday, September 6, 2026, in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The AfD has been polling ahead for months under lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund.

    What to watch next

    • Official election results from Magdeburg tonight
    • Confirmation of whether the AfD secured an absolute majority
    • The appointment of the new state governor in Saxony-Anhalt
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.wlrn.org — Germany's far-right AfD party is poised for power in a state election
    2. www.yahoo.com — Gloria Steinem Photos That Changed Women's History
    3. www.dailymail.com — Hard Right spectre looms over the EU: SUE REID investigates how anti-immigration parties stormed from the fringes and are now poised to take power for the first tim…
    4. www.cnbc.com — Germany's far-right AfD seeks landmark state victory as Saxony-Anhalt votes
    confidence 85%

  3. German Far-Right AfD Targets Saxony-Anhalt in Landmark State Election

    The Alternative for Germany party is advancing in Saxony-Anhalt, aiming for a landmark breakthrough in the upcoming state election. Far-right figures within the party, including a leader pushing Germans to forget the Nazi past, seek to make Saxony-Anhalt a model for AfD rule. This political push coincides with tensions surrounding the iconic Bauhaus school and resurfacing divides over Russia. Analysts warn that potential AfD gains in state elections will increase internal pressure on the German government as it faces concurrent external threats from Russian hybrid campaigns.

    Why it matters

    The rise of the Alternative for Germany poses a significant shadow over German democracy, challenging established political norms in state legislatures. State elections in regions like Saxony-Anhalt carry immense weight for national stability, creating dual pressures for government leaders attempting to counter domestic extremism and foreign hybrid threats simultaneously.

    What is confirmed

    • The Alternative for Germany is leading in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of a landmark state election.
    • The far-right party has targeted the iconic Bauhaus school during its campaign.
    • AfD gains in state elections add internal pressure to the German government while it faces external threats from Russia.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Specific party leaders are actively directing strategies to make Germans forget the nation's Nazi past.

    What to watch next

    • The official certified results of the Saxony-Anhalt state election
    • Any official policy announcements or coalition maneuvers from the AfD following the vote
    Sources used for this update (11)
    1. The Economist — The Alternative for Germany has plans for Saxony-Anhalt
    2. dw.com — Siegmund wants to make Saxony-Anhalt a model for AfD rule
    3. The Guardian — The shadow of the AfD hangs over German democracy – but I still have faith in my adopted country
    4. Reuters — Russia divide resurfaces as AfD leads in Saxony-Anhalt
    5. The Telegraph — The rise of the Russian German
    6. AP News — German far-right party targets iconic Bauhaus school ahead of landmark state election
    7. Reuters — Germany's far-right AfD aims for breakthrough in state election
    8. www.cfr.org — Far-Right AfD and Russian Hybrid Campaign Pose Twin Threat for Germany’s Merz
    9. politico.eu — The far-right leader pushing Germans to forget the Nazi past
    10. WSJ — The Ex-Salesman Who Serves Up Far-Right Policies With a Smile
    11. ca.news.yahoo.com — 10 Trendy Sardine Nail Ideas That Are a Total Catch
    confidence 90%