Key facts
- The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is seeking to win power for the first time in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
- Opinion polls show the AfD with over 40% support, leading the conservative CDU by a substantial margin.
- Most other political parties have stated they will not cooperate with the AfD.
- The AfD's platform includes restricting immigration, restoring ties with Russia, and exiting the euro.
- The election is viewed as a critical test for the far-right's ability to govern in Germany.
- The AfD aims to use this state election as a stepping stone for national elections in 2029.
Voters in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt are participating in an election where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is seeking to achieve a significant breakthrough and potentially win power for the first time. Opinion polls show the AfD with over 40% support, leading the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) by a substantial margin. The AfD's platform advocates for restricting immigration, re-establishing ties with Russia, and withdrawing from the euro currency. The CDU currently governs in coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD) and Free Democrats (FDP). Despite the AfD's strong showing, most other political parties have stated they will not cooperate with the AfD, which has been designated as right-wing extremist by Germany's domestic intelligence service. This refusal to form a coalition could prevent the AfD from taking power, even with high voter support. The AfD's rise is attributed in part to disillusionment with the current federal government. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's candidate for state premier, has campaigned on issues such as immigration and the economic impact of sanctions on Russia. State governments in Germany play a role in the Bundesrat and hold considerable authority over education, culture, and domestic security. An AfD-led state government could create significant political challenges for the federal government. The AfD views this state election as a stepping stone towards national elections in 2029.