Key facts
- The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is projected to win an absolute majority in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6.
- The AfD's platform includes reducing support for Ukrainian refugees and increasing educational ties with Russia.
- A victory would give the AfD representation in the Bundesrat, Germany's federal legislative body.
- The AfD is also leading in polls for upcoming elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and is competitive in Berlin.
- Other German parties have an agreement not to form coalitions with the AfD, potentially limiting its direct governmental power.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is poised for a historic victory in the upcoming Saxony-Anhalt state election, potentially leading to the country's first far-right state government since World War II. Polling at 41%, the AfD's local branch, which has been classified as 'confirmed far-right extremist' by German security services, stands a strong chance of winning an absolute majority.
The party's platform, led by controversial figure Ulrich Siegmund, promises a significant departure from current German policy, including reduced support for Ukrainian refugees and a revitalization of educational and economic ties with Russia. The AfD frames these policies as a move to free Germany from what it calls 'anti-Russian' policies that are not in the nation's interest.
A win in Saxony-Anhalt would not only send a strong signal to the state's approximately 39,000 Ukrainians but also grant the AfD a seat in the Bundesrat, Germany's federal legislative body. This position could allow the party to influence federal legislation, advocate against energy sanctions on Russia, and push for the relaunch of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Concerns have also been raised about potential intelligence leaks to Russia due to the state administration's access to sensitive information.
This election is seen as a crucial test for the rising AfD, which is also leading in polls for the September 20 elections in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and holds a strong position in Berlin. The party's growing popularity is attributed to a 'wave of normalization' and a radicalization that is becoming increasingly socially acceptable, according to political scientists. However, experts suggest that a victory in Saxony-Anhalt may not automatically translate into wins in other states due to existing 'firewall' agreements among other parties not to form coalitions with the far-right.