Saxony-Anhalt's AfD victory complicates government formation

Saxony-Anhalt faces a difficult government formation after the AfD's landslide victory in the state election, with the party winning around 44 percent of the vote but narrowly missing an absolute majority by three parliamentary seats. SPD, Greens, and Left Party have ruled out cooperation with the winner, leaving the BSW as the only potential partner. The AfD claims the mandate to govern, with co-leader Tino Chrupalla expressing willingness to talk with the CDU, while top candidate Ulrich Siegmund rules out leading a minority government. The BSW, holding five seats, could play a kingmaker role by abstaining in a third-round vote, though its proposal for a non-partisan premier faces likely rejection. The CDU's poor result, halving its 2021 share to about 17 percent, has triggered internal discussions and weakened Chancellor Friedrich Merz's position. Polls indicate voter dissatisfaction with the federal government's reform course was a key factor, with the SPD demanding corrections on health, care, and pension policies.