Sachsen-Anhalt faces EU funding cuts after AfD election win

Sachsen-Anhalt may face reduced EU funding following the AfD's election victory, as Brussels could withhold structural funds over rule-of-law concerns, potentially affecting around 500 million euros annually. The state currently receives approximately 2.95 billion euros from the EU budget through 2027 for schools, clinics, and infrastructure. Green MEP Daniel Freund cited Hungary and Poland as precedents where funds were frozen. The AfD dismissed the discussion, while the SPD pledged to advocate for continued funding in upcoming budget negotiations. The tourism industry also reports uncertainty among potential visitors, with a Yougov survey showing nearly a third of respondents less inclined to vacation in the state. Meanwhile, the new parliament's female representation dropped to 22 percent, the lowest among all 16 state parliaments.