Saxony-Anhalt’s economy is not what the far right claims.

Germany’s far-right AfD party has long argued that the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt has been neglected by the federal government. But the data tells a different story. Recent figures show that the region, often described as struggling, is actually catching up. Its gross domestic product per capita has risen steadily over the past decade. Unemployment has dropped to its lowest level since reunification. The state has also become a hub for renewable energy and chemical industries. Several major companies have expanded operations there, creating thousands of jobs. That does not mean Saxony-Anhalt faces no challenges. Its population is aging, and it still lags behind wealthier western states in average income. But the claim that it has been “left behind” is not supported by the evidence. The AfD’s narrative may appeal to voters who feel ignored. Yet the economic reality suggests a region in transition, not decline.