Key facts
- The AfD won the Saxony-Anhalt state election with 44% of the vote.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to remain in office despite the significant election loss for his CDU party.
- The AfD fell short of an absolute majority, necessitating coalition talks.
- The far-left BSW party may potentially partner with the AfD.
- Merz acknowledged his low personal approval ratings contributed to the CDU's defeat.
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party achieved a historic first-place victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections, securing 44% of the vote. This result has deeply shaken Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which suffered its worst electoral defeat in decades, with exit polls indicating deep voter dissatisfaction with the political establishment and Merz's performance.
Despite the landslide win, the AfD fell short of an absolute majority, making coalition talks necessary. The party is appealing to conservative lawmakers to support its bid to govern, challenging the mainstream parties' long-standing refusal to cooperate with the AfD. The far-left BSW party has signaled potential openness to working with the AfD, though it previously ruled out joining a state government. French ministers have expressed concern over the AfD's victory, viewing it as a worrying signal for Europe.
Chancellor Merz, appearing visibly shaken, vowed to remain in office and continue his reform agenda, acknowledging that his own low approval ratings played a role in the CDU's loss. He emphasized Germany's commitment to its values and constitution, assuring allies of the country's institutional resilience. Merz also stated his determination to continue supporting Ukraine against Russia and accused Moscow of potentially benefiting from and supporting the AfD's campaign.
The AfD's Saxony-Anhalt chapter is listed as a right-wing extremist organization by domestic intelligence. The party has pledged controversial policies, including mass deportations and significant social welfare spending with unclear financing. Fears of "cultural hegemony" have also been raised due to the AfD's criticism of public broadcasters and cultural institutions.
The CDU state premier, Sven Schulze, acknowledged his party had no mandate to govern after securing only 17% of the vote. The AfD's success in this eastern state, a traditional stronghold, signals a broader trend of the party making inroads across Germany amid economic concerns in key sectors. Germany faces two more regional elections in September.