Exit polls and projections show the AfD leading by a wide margin in Saxony-Anhalt.
Why it matters: A strong AfD result in Saxony-Anhalt could reshape coalition talks in the state and affect federal politics through the Bundesrat. For investors and operators watching Germany, it underscores pressure on the country's governing parties and policy agenda.
- Projections on Sept. 6 put the AfD at about 44% to 44.5% in Saxony-Anhalt.
- The CDU was projected at about 18.4% to 18.5%, far behind the AfD.
- Saxony-Anhalt's Landtag has 83 seats; the count was still in progress with 2,273 of 2,660 precincts reported at 21:23 local time.
- AP said Germany's domestic intelligence service has described the AfD's Saxony-Anhalt branch as a proven right-wing extremist group.
Exit polls and projections pointed to a sharp AfD lead in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party was projected to win roughly 44% to 44.5% of the vote, according to AP and BBC.
That level would make the AfD the clear first-place finisher, but not necessarily a governing majority. Saxony-Anhalt's Landtag has 83 seats, and the official results site said counting was still underway on Sept. 6 at 21:23 local time, with 2,273 of 2,660 precincts counted.
The CDU was projected at about 18.4% to 18.5%, while Die Linke was seen at about 9% to 9.5%, the SPD at about 8% to 9% and BSW at about 4.8% to 5%, leaving BSW's entry into the legislature uncertain.
AP said Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution - the domestic intelligence agency - has described the AfD's Saxony-Anhalt branch as a proven right-wing extremist group. In comments reported by AP and BBC, AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund said, "we have written history," while national co-leader Alice Weidel called the result "sensational" and said, "we have received a very clear mandate to govern here."
If confirmed, the result could complicate coalition-building in Saxony-Anhalt and shape how the state influences federal policy through the Bundesrat. A first-place AfD finish would be politically significant on its own; whether it can actually enter government depends on final seat totals and coalition math after the count is complete.
By the numbers
- 44% to 44.5% - projected AfD vote share in Saxony-Anhalt
- 83 - seats in Saxony-Anhalt's Landtag
- 2,273 of 2,660 - precincts counted when the official results site reported the latest update
Yes, but: A wide lead in projections does not guarantee an AfD-led government. Final seat totals, BSW's status and coalition talks will determine whether the party can govern.
What's next: Final counting and coalition negotiations will determine the shape of the next state government.