AfD wins big in Saxony-Anhalt but falls short of governing majority

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, 2026, securing 43.8% of the vote but falling three seats short of an absolute majority needed to govern alone. AfD's victory more than doubled its 2021 result, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union slumped to 17.2%, its worst showing in the state. The party's candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, declared a mandate to govern, though mainstream parties maintain a "firewall" refusing to cooperate with AfD, which is classified as a right-wing extremist group by domestic intelligence. The result marks a historic first for Germany, where no far-right party has led a state government since World War II. AfD's platform includes a "deportation offensive" and lifting sanctions on Russia, though state powers are limited. Turnout was high at 77.8%, with AfD attracting many previous non-voters.