AfD wins in Saxony-Anhalt, CDU collapses, BSW enters parliament

The far-right AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt with 43.8 percent, but failed to secure an absolute majority, while the CDU collapsed to 17.2 percent. The result complicates government formation. The SPD, Greens, and Left Party improved or held their positions, and the BSW entered parliament with 5.3 percent. The FDP was eliminated. Voter turnout hit a record 77.8 percent, and the outgoing CDU-SPD-FDP coalition has lost its mandate. AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund claimed a mandate to govern and did not rule out new elections if coalition talks fail. CDU leader Sven Schulze conceded defeat, facing internal calls for his resignation. Two more state elections follow on September 20.