Far-right AfD wins election in Saxony-Anhalt but falls short of absolute majority

On September 6, 2026, the German state of Saxony-Anhalt held regional parliamentary elections that resulted in a historic victory for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD secured approximately 44% of the vote, effectively doubling its previous support from 2021. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, suffered a significant defeat, with preliminary figures indicating a drop to around 17-18% of the vote.

Despite its strong lead, the AfD failed to secure an absolute majority in the 83-seat state parliament, falling just short of the 42 seats required to govern alone. While the AfD has proposed potential coalition cooperation with the CDU, other political parties have maintained a long-standing refusal to enter into alliances with the far-right. The election also saw the entry of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) into the legislature, while the Free Democratic Party (FDP) collapsed and failed to retain its seats.

These results occur amidst heightened political polarization and public concern regarding immigration. Prior to the vote, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Magdeburg to protest against the prospect of a far-right victory, highlighting the intense debate surrounding the state's future. The political landscape remains fluid as parties begin the complex process of coalition negotiations, testing the stability of Germany's post-war political order.