MAGDEBURG, Germany (AP) — The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is projected to achieve a significant victory in a regional election held on Sunday in Saxony-Anhalt, although it remains uncertain whether the party can form the first far-right state government in Germany since World War II. The party, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is expected to face a poor outcome in the election. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD candidate for governor, stated that voters have sent a message that 'things cannot carry on like this' and referred to Merz as a 'very good campaigner' for the party.
AfD aimed for an absolute majority in the state legislature, which would allow it to govern independently, overcoming the mainstream parties' refusal to collaborate with them. The projected outcome represents a significant milestone in the party's 13-year history, amid widespread dissatisfaction with the national government.
If AfD succeeds, it would mark a notable shift in German politics, as the country has not had a far-right or right-wing populist party in a governing position at any level. Projections indicate that AfD may receive over 44% of the vote, significantly higher than its previous showing of 2.1% five years ago. In contrast, Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is projected to receive around 18%, losing approximately half of its support. Other parties, including the Left Party, Social Democrats, and Greens, are expected to garner around 9% each.
It remains unclear if the BSW party will secure the 5% necessary to gain representation. Although projections suggest AfD may fall short of an absolute majority, this could change as more votes are counted. Alice Weidel, AfD's national co-leader, described the projected results as 'sensational' and stated that the party has received a clear mandate to govern.
Incumbent governor Sven Schulze acknowledged AfD's rise as the state's leading political force but did not specify how the CDU would respond. Franziska Hoppermann, the national general-secretary of the CDU, reiterated the party's refusal to collaborate with AfD, labeling it a right-wing extremist party.
In a previous instance, AfD won a state election in Thuringia but did not govern, as the CDU formed a minority government without support from AfD. If Schulze attempts to form an alliance with smaller parties, it may require support from the Left Party, which the CDU has historically avoided.
Siegmund has outlined priorities that include a 'deportation offensive' and reducing incentives for immigration. He also aims to withdraw Saxony-Anhalt from the regional public broadcaster, citing concerns over misinformation. AfD's platform includes proposals for home schooling, banning schools from displaying the rainbow flag, and opposing financial support for Ukraine, as well as advocating for lifting sanctions against Russia.
State governments in Germany have limited influence in the upper house of parliament, controlling only four of the 69 votes. The overall impact of Saxony-Anhalt's government on national legislation is therefore restricted.