AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt election but faces coalition deadlock

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a decisive victory in the September 6 state election in Saxony-Anhalt, securing 43.8% of the vote, but faces a complex path to forming a government. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered a major defeat with 17.2%, while the Left, Greens, and Social Democrats each won around 9%. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) entered parliament with 5.3%, and is open to talks with the AfD. The AfD won 39 of 83 seats, short of a majority. Other parties refuse to cooperate with it, leaving a minority government or a coalition involving the BSW as potential, but difficult, options.