The far-right political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a significant win in a regional election on Sunday but narrowly missed securing a majority to establish the first far-right state government in Germany since World War II. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s party suffered a major setback in Saxony-Anhalt.
The AfD’s candidate for governor, Ulrich Siegmund, declared the party’s historic victory and asserted their mandate to govern. Siegmund emphasized that voters had sent a clear message for change, highlighting the impact of their campaign, especially with support from Friedrich Merz.
Alternative for Germany aimed for an outright majority in the state legislature to break the traditional resistance of mainstream parties to cooperate with AfD. Despite falling three seats short of the majority, with 39 seats in an 83-member parliament, Siegmund ruled out the possibility of forming a minority government and questioned the feasibility of other parties forming a stable government without AfD.
This outcome represents a blow to Chancellor Merz and his center-right party, which has led Saxony-Anhalt for over two decades. Germany has not witnessed a far-right or right-wing populist party leading a national, state, or major-city government unlike some other European countries.
The AfD, already the most popular party nationally, is striving to advance its agenda, including strict immigration controls, closer ties with Russia, reduced support for Ukraine, and exiting the euro. Despite being labeled as right-wing extremist by Germany’s domestic intelligence service, mainstream parties have refused to collaborate with AfD.
The election result underscores the AfD’s rapid growth since its establishment in 2013, gaining popularity across Germany. The party’s tough stance on immigration and promises of a return to traditional values and national pride have resonated with disillusioned voters.
The AfD’s platform includes advocating for traditional values in education and culture, limiting immigration, reforming public broadcasting, and segregating refugee children in schools. They propose banning rainbow flags in schools, daily hoisting of the German flag, mandatory singing of the national anthem, citizen patrols, increased Russian language education, and halting new wind farm constructions.
