AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt state election with record 44.5%, CDU falls to historic low of 18.5%
On September 6, 2026, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the Saxony-Anhalt state election with approximately 44.5% of the vote, more than doubling its 2021 result and setting a new party record. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered its worst-ever result at 18.5%. Voter turnout surged to 65.3% by 4 p.m., double the 2021 figure. The victory drew sharp international reactions, including praise from Moscow and condemnation from Polish and French officials.
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Germany's Far-Right AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt Election, First State-Level Victory Since Nazi Era
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party secured a historic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6, 2026, winning 43.8% of the vote and 39 of 83 parliamentary seats. This marks the first time a far-right party has gained power at a German state level since the Nazi era. The AfD, which is anti-immigration, anti-woke, pro-Kremlin, and opposes support for Ukraine, more than doubled its vote share from five years ago. The centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Chancellor Friedrich Merz collapsed to 17.2%, losing half its supporters. Other parties including the Social Democrats (9.3%), Greens (8.9%), Left party (8.6%), and BSW (5.3%) trailed far behind. The result has sent shockwaves across Europe, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and French Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad condemning the outcome. The AfD currently leads national polls at 28%, raising concerns about its potential influence in federal politics.
AfD Victory in Saxony-Anhalt Draws Sharp International Reactions, Praise from Moscow
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic landslide victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6, 2026, securing 44% of the vote and becoming the strongest party. The result triggered sharply divided international reactions. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned those celebrating the victory as 'idiots or traitors,' while French European Minister Benjamin Haddad warned against nationalism and xenophobia. In contrast, congratulations came from Moscow, where Vladimir Putin's envoy Kirill Dmitriev declared 'Germany has awakened' and attacked the German government coalition. US President Donald Trump posted the election graphic on Truth Social without comment. Hungarian former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán celebrated the result as 'just the beginning.' Czech Parliament Speaker Tomio Okamura also congratulated the AfD, attributing the victory to failures of liberal EU-friendly parties. The AfD's top candidate Ulrich Siegmund led the party to its best-ever nationwide result, while the CDU suffered significant losses.
Alternative for Germany on course to win record 44% in Saxony-Anhalt election
The Financial Times reports that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is on course to win a record 44% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, according to the most-read story on their platform. This result, highlighted in a post targeting an Asian audience, indicates a significant electoral performance for the far-right party in the eastern German state. The figure of 44% represents a potential record high for the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, underscoring the party's strong support in the region. The election outcome is a key political development in Germany, reflecting ongoing shifts in voter sentiment ahead of national elections.
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AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt Election with Over 40%, CDU Suffers Historic Low
In the Saxony-Anhalt state election held on September 6, 2026, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a landslide victory, securing approximately 44.5% of the vote according to ARD and ZDF forecasts. This result more than doubles the party's 2021 performance of 20.8% and sets a new record for the AfD in any state election, surpassing its previous best of 32.8% in Thuringia in 2024. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of incumbent Minister President Sven Schulze suffered a devastating defeat, halving its vote share to 18.5%, its worst result ever in the state. The Left Party and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) both saw slight declines, while the Greens gained modestly. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) hovered at the 5.0% threshold, uncertain of entering parliament. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) failed to re-enter the state legislature. Voter turnout surged to a record high, with 65.3% casting ballots by 4 p.m., compared to 41.0% at the same time in 2021. The AfD's strong performance raises the possibility of an absolute majority, though no other party is willing to form a coalition with it. A CDU-led minority government, potentially relying on the Left Party, is one option but faces internal conservative opposition. The election is seen as a bellwether for upcoming votes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.
Record voter turnout in Saxony-Anhalt state election reaches 65.3 percent by 4 p.m.
The state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, held on September 6, 2026, saw a record-high voter turnout of 65.3 percent by 4 p.m., according to the state returning officer. This is a significant increase compared to previous elections (41.0% in 2021, 47.1% in 2016). The election is closely watched as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leads in polls and hopes to form a state government for the first time. WELT reporters on the ground report high enthusiasm among AfD supporters. The Greens are monitoring the election from a historic fortress in Magdeburg, framing themselves as a bulwark against an AfD sole government. A small pro-diversity demonstration by DGB youth took place on Cathedral Square, while police presence is high. Support forces from Bavaria have been deployed at Magdeburg main train station. The final voter turnout in 1998 was 71.5 percent, the highest ever recorded in the state.
Voter Turnout in Saxony-Anhalt State Election Doubles Compared to Five Years Ago
On September 6, 2026, the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, saw a significant surge in voter participation. According to the state returning officer, by 4 p.m., 65.3 percent of eligible voters had already cast their ballots. This figure is twice as high as the voter turnout recorded at the same time during the previous state election five years ago. WELT reporter Marie Droste reported from Magdeburg, highlighting the increased civic engagement. The high turnout suggests strong public interest in the election's outcome, which will determine the composition of the state parliament. The report is based on official data from the state election authority and underscores a notable shift in voting behavior compared to the 2021 election cycle.