Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is projected to win the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, according to exit polls. The far-right party is leading significantly ahead of its mainstream rivals, with projections showing it securing 44.5% of the vote, more than double the conservative CDU's 18.5%.
The AfD has declared the result a "historic outcome." Ulrich Siegmund, the party's charismatic leader in the state, has indicated an unwillingness to form a coalition with any other party, suggesting a potential bid for direct governance.
If the AfD were to gain control of the state government, it would be the first time a far-right party has held such power in Germany since World War II. State-level governance in Germany includes significant responsibilities over policing, local education, and cultural affairs.
Saxony-Anhalt has a population of approximately 2.1 million people. The state's domestic intelligence agency assesses the AfD's presence in Saxony-Anhalt as "far-right extremist," a classification that Siegmund has rejected.
The projected victory marks a significant moment in German politics, with the AfD's strong performance in the eastern state raising questions about its potential to influence national governance and policy.