AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt state election but falls short of majority

The far-right AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt with 43.8 percent, clearly ahead of the ruling CDU, but missed an absolute majority, making government formation difficult. The party is classified as securely right-wing extremist by state intelligence. The CDU under Minister-President Sven Schulze received 17.2 percent, while SPD, Greens, Left, and BSW entered parliament; the FDP failed with 2.6 percent. Turnout hit a record 77.8 percent. The AfD won 39 of 83 seats, needing 42 for a majority, while other parties hold 44 seats combined. The AfD doubled its 2021 result, while the CDU collapsed. All other parties have ruled out coalition with the AfD, and the only non-AfD majority would require an unlikely alliance. AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund did not rule out new elections if government formation fails.