Voting began Sunday in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt in an election that could see the Alternative for Germany (AfD) become the first far-right party to win power at a state level since World War Two. The AfD, led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, has been polling ahead for months, with recent surveys placing the party at just over 40%, followed by the Christian Democrats (CDU) at 23%. Siegmund stated at a final rally Saturday evening, “No matter the outcome of tomorrow’s election, we have already made history…what we have started here in Saxony-Anhalt…can no longer be stopped.”
An absolute majority would allow the AfD to bypass the longstanding “firewall” policy of mainstream parties refusing to govern with them. However, achieving an absolute majority is considered difficult given Germany’s proportional electoral system, which encourages coalition governments. If the AfD falls short, a CDU-led administration under incumbent state premier Sven Schulze is the most likely outcome, potentially requiring weeks of coalition talks.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has attempted to counter the AfD’s popularity by adopting a tougher stance on migration and security. The AfD plans to shift schools and cultural institutions towards more traditional values, marginalize immigrants, and reform public broadcasting if it wins. The state security service has classified the AfD as “far-right extremist,” which could hinder its ability to form a government even if it gains seats. Siegmund has ruled out any coalition with other parties, arguing that governing with mainstream politicians who have “driven Germany into the ground” is impossible. Approximately 1.7 million voters were eligible to cast ballots until 6 p.m. local time, with initial results expected shortly after polls closed, and state election officials releasing turnout estimates starting at noon.
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