Far-right AfD wins big in German state election, seeks government role

In the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a major victory in the state election on September 6, 2026, securing around 44.5 percent of the vote. The party's leader in the state, Siegmund, celebrated the result, while federal party leader Alice Weidel claimed a mandate to govern. The CDU, led nationally by Friedrich Merz, and the left-leaning BSW were among the parties facing losses or tough coalition talks.

Other politicians reacted with alarm. Cem Özdemir called for a radical policy shift after the AfD's success, and Manuela Schwesig warned of dangers posed by the party. The result has put pressure on the CDU to form a government without the AfD, as all other parties have ruled out working with it. However, the AfD's strong showing has raised questions about how it might gain influence, including through possible defections from other parties.

The final outcome leaves Saxony-Anhalt in a difficult position, as the CDU and its potential partners may not have enough seats to form a majority without the AfD. This has created a tense situation, with the AfD demanding a role in government and other parties trying to keep it out of power.