The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won the Saxony-Anhalt state election held on September 6, 2026, according to preliminary official results. The party received 43.8% of the vote, making it the largest party in the state parliament but failing to secure an absolute majority. AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund stated that the result represented a 'clear mandate to govern,' although he acknowledged the absence of potential coalition partners at this time. He noted that the situation could change in the coming days, suggesting that individual lawmakers might reconsider their positions.
AfD co-leader Tino Chrupalla confirmed that Siegmund would run as a candidate for state premier in the parliament. Siegmund also mentioned that if efforts to form a government fail, new elections could be a possibility, stating, 'In the worst-case scenario, there would simply be new elections, and then we would get 50% or 55%.'
The only coalition that could achieve a numerical majority without the AfD would involve all other parties, but the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has ruled out a coalition with both the AfD and the Left Party, a stance referred to as the 'political firewall.' This policy has been in place since 2018, although the CDU faced criticism for a motion passed in January 2025 that received AfD support.
The election results indicate that the previously governing coalition of the CDU, Social Democrats (SPD), and Free Democrats (FDP) will end, although state premier Sven Schulze and his Cabinet will remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new premier is elected. The CDU did not secure any direct mandates in the election, losing all 41 constituencies, while the AfD won in 38.
Turnout for the election was approximately 78%, the highest since German reunification in 1990. The FDP received only 2.6% of the vote, failing to meet the 5% threshold for representation. Historian Katja Hoyer attributed the AfD's success to a more positive campaign led by Siegmund, contrasting it with the mainstream parties' inability to present a compelling vision for change.
The election results may impact the governing coalition in Berlin, as the AfD's rising popularity raises questions about the future of the political landscape in Germany. The next federal election is scheduled for 2029, and parties are likely to monitor the AfD's influence closely.
Saxony-Anhalt's economy has lagged behind the national average, with lower wages and higher unemployment, contributing to support for the AfD, which claims the region has been neglected. Key sectors include chemicals, engineering, manufacturing, and tourism.
Tomio Okamura, president of the Czech parliament's lower chamber, congratulated the AfD on its success, attributing it to dissatisfaction with liberal parties in Germany. An AfD-led government could lead to significant changes in migration, education, and social policy, including proposals for increased deportations and changes to school curricula.
Following the election, CDU's lead candidate Sven Schulze acknowledged the AfD's position as the strongest party. France's Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad described the election results as a serious moment for Europe, emphasizing the need to address the concerns of voters.
The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) is projected to secure five seats in the state parliament and has indicated a willingness to work with the AfD, despite earlier indications from the AfD that such cooperation was unlikely. The CDU is projected to hold 15 seats, while the Left Party, SPD, and Greens are expected to secure eight seats each.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized those celebrating the AfD's success, stating that only 'idiots or traitors' would do so. The election results reflect a significant shift in Saxony-Anhalt's political landscape, with the AfD's victory marking a notable moment in German politics.