AfD’s far-right agenda wins 44% in Saxony-Anhalt but falls short of majority

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt's state election but fell short of a majority, leaving it unable to govern without support from mainstream parties that have pledged to maintain a "firewall" against it. The party's 258-page manifesto outlines radical plans, including mass deportations of irregular migrants and Ukrainian refugees, segregated classes for refugee and disabled children, and defunding "anti-German" art. These policies face legal and practical hurdles, as states are limited by federal laws. Coalition talks in the coming days will determine the state's direction, with potential implications for upcoming regional elections and the 2029 federal election. The AfD's success has intensified debate over whether the mainstream parties' refusal to cooperate has inadvertently fueled its rise.