Germany's far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) was projected to achieve a historic victory in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, marking a significant setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
The AfD, which has campaigned on an anti-migration platform, aimed to form the country's first far-right-led state government since World War II, though it remained unclear if the party would secure an absolute majority to govern alone.
Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's gubernatorial candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, declared, "We have written history." He added that voters had sent a message that "things cannot carry on like this," also indicating it was "a signal toward Berlin." Siegmund also criticized the national government, stating, "Every day this man [Merz] is in the chancellery is one too many."
The election result reflects widespread public discontent with the national government's handling of the country's sluggish economy. The AfD's regional branch in Saxony-Anhalt is classified by Germany's domestic intelligence agency as a confirmed right-wing extremist group, citing remarks and actions by members, including disparagement of migrants. The party advocates for "remigration," a policy promoting the deportation of immigrants.
Siegmund has outlined his priorities, including an "offensive" of deportations and halting incentives for individuals to come to Germany and "exploit our social system." He also intends to challenge the regional public broadcaster, alleging "disinformation."
Projections from public broadcasters ARD and ZDF indicated the AfD secured just over 44% of the vote in the state, more than doubling its support from five years prior. The CDU was projected to receive 18% of the vote, losing approximately half of its previous support. The Left Party, Social Democrats, and Greens each polled around 9%.
The AfD's success in Saxony-Anhalt, a state in eastern Germany that was formerly part of the communist East, underscores its strength in less prosperous regions. This victory, regardless of whether the party forms a government independently, represents a substantial blow to the CDU, which has led Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years. Modern Germany has not previously seen a far-right or right-wing populist party lead a national, state, or major city government.