AfD Leads in Saxony-Anhalt Elections with Significant Gains

Ulrich Siegmund, a leading figure for the ‘Alternative for Germany’ (AfD) party, cast his vote on Sunday, September 6, 2026, during the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt held in Tangermuende, eastern Germany.

The election results showed the AfD party with a strong lead, raising questions about the potential formation of a far-right state government for the first time since World War II. Despite the lead, exit polls suggested uncertainty about their ability to secure an absolute majority to govern independently. This outcome would break the longstanding barrier formed by mainstream parties who refuse to align with AfD.

An independent state government would mark a significant achievement in AfD’s 13-year history, occurring during a period of public dissatisfaction with the current national administration. AfD’s success could symbolically challenge Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose center-right party has governed Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years.

According to ARD and ZDF public television, AfD captured approximately 44% of the vote, a significant increase from its performance five years prior. This placed them well above the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)—Merz’s party—which garnered about 18.5%, losing around half its previous support.

The Left Party secured third place with roughly 9% of the vote. The Social Democrats and the Greens also managed to maintain their presence in the state legislature, both receiving approximately 8%-9%. Meanwhile, the potential success of the BSW party remained uncertain, needing 5% to gain seats.

Despite their lead, exit polls indicated AfD might fall just short of an absolute majority. Siegmund, 35, who is running for state governor, expressed that they had made history. He remarked that voters delivered a strong message for change, noting that Chancellor Merz’s unpopularity was advantageous for their campaign.

Franziska Hoppermann, the national general secretary of the CDU, acknowledged the challenging outcome for their party. AfD stands as the largest opposition party in Germany’s national parliament, gaining notable support in the eastern regions with former communist backgrounds like Saxony-Anhalt.