The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) saw a significant win in a regional election on Sunday, falling just short of securing a majority to establish the first far-right state government in Germany since World War II. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s party faced a disastrous outcome in Saxony-Anhalt.
The AfD, known for its anti-immigration stance and pro-Russia policies, declared victory with their candidate for governor stating they had made history and received a clear mandate to lead. Ulrich Siegmund, the candidate, emphasized that voters wanted change and praised Merz for his role in their campaign.
Despite aiming for an absolute majority to govern independently and break through the mainstream parties’ opposition to collaborating with AfD, the party fell three seats short, ending with 39 out of 83 seats in the parliament. Siegmund dismissed the idea of forming a minority government, leaving uncertainty about how other divided parties could form a stable government without AfD’s involvement.
This election result delivered a blow to Chancellor Merz and his party, which has governed Saxony-Anhalt for over two decades. Germany has not yet experienced a far-right or right-wing populist party leading at the national, state, or major-city level, unlike some other European countries.
The AfD, already a significant force in German politics, aims to advance its agenda, including strict immigration controls, closer ties with Russia, reducing support for Ukraine, and exiting the euro. Their rising popularity reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current government’s economic performance.
The mainstream parties in Germany have refused to cooperate with AfD, labeling it as a right-wing extremist entity. An exception is the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance party, suggesting a non-partisan state premier rule with shifting majorities, possibly including AfD’s support, which Siegmund rejected.
While discussions are ongoing among various parties, forming a coalition with conflicting policy goals remains a challenge. The rapid growth of AfD since its establishment in 2013 is evident in Saxony-Anhalt’s election results, underscoring the party’s increasing national popularity.
With a tough stance on immigration and a vision of traditional values, AfD’s platform promises reforms in education, culture, and public broadcasting. Proposals include segregated classes for refugee children, banning rainbow flags in schools, daily hoisting of the national flag, compulsory singing of the national anthem, citizen patrols, promoting Russian language education, and halting new wind farm constructions.