Germany’s Far-Right AfD Poised for Historic State Win — First Since WWII
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is heading for a record-breaking victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, potentially securing its first state government since the Nazi era.
About 1.7 million people are eligible to vote in Saxony-Anhalt, with the AfD leading polls and even projected to win an outright majority in some forecasts [235467][235398]. The party is also expected to make strong gains in two further state elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin on September 20 [235467]. A victory would mark the first time a far-right party has held state power in Germany since World War II, breaking a decades-old political taboo and reshaping the national landscape [231340][235467].
The AfD’s rise is rooted in unresolved national problems, including high energy costs, a struggling economy, and deep public frustration over immigration policy [236207]. For years, voters in eastern Germany have felt ignored by the political establishment in Berlin, and the party has channeled that discontent into electoral support [236207]. The party is not moderating as it nears success—it is becoming more radical [236029].
The party has also used recent events to fuel its campaign. Berlin has accused Moscow of orchestrating a drone attack on Leipzig airport, calling it an act of hybrid warfare, but the AfD has demanded the government release evidence and has long called for closer ties with the Kremlin [234814]. The party’s foreign policy spokesperson accused the government of classifying sabotage acts “according to political convenience” [234814].
The current state premier, Reiner Schulze, has vowed to stop the AfD from taking power [232875]. But with the party potentially securing enough seats to govern without coalition partners, the outcome could send shockwaves through Germany and the European Union [235398][231340]. The final results are expected after all votes are counted [235398].