AfD wins Saxony election with 44%, CDU collapses to 18.5%

The far-right AfD party is projected to win around 44% of the vote in the Saxony state election, according to ARD exit polls, marking a historic triumph for leader Ulrich Siegmund. Incumbent premier Sven Schulze's CDU has collapsed to 18.5%, down from 37%. Siegmund declared "we have made history" as the AfD's projected result represents a major surge in the eastern German state. The CDU's dramatic decline from its previous 37% share leaves Schulze's position in serious jeopardy, with the final seat distribution and potential coalition options now uncertain. The outcome raises complex questions about government formation, as other parties have previously ruled out cooperating with the AfD. Political analysts are examining possible alliances and scenarios that could determine who will lead Saxony's next administration.