"AfD aims for seizure of power"

In Saxony-Anhalt, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has gained significant support, now standing at 39%, and is advocating for a majority government. What was initially deemed implausible is now appearing more possible. Mainstream political parties are struggling to adapt to this shift to the...

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2025 September 16 . 4:21 PM

1 min read

"AfD aims for seizure of power"

In the political landscape of Saxony-Anhalt, an unprecedented shift is taking place. What was once considered unthinkable - a sole government led by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) - is now within reach, as the party is polling at an impressive 39% in the region.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), traditionally the dominant force in Saxony-Anhalt, is struggling to keep up, with polls showing the AfD far ahead. However, a coalition between democratic parties like the CDU and the Left could potentially prevent an AfD sole government. Yet, such a coalition would be fragile, teetering on the brink of instability.

The CDU has nominated Sven Schulze, the CDU state chairman and Minister of Economic Affairs, as their candidate for the September 2026 state election. Schulze has made it clear that he rules out any cooperation with the AfD and plans to lead a "center alliance" instead. This move is a response to the AfD's top candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, who has already started campaigning for a sole government.

The AfD's rise continues unabated, despite the tightening of migration policies, which has shown no effect in curbing their support. Nationwide, the AfD's support stands at around 25%.

The conservatives find themselves in a difficult position, with no clear means to halt the AfD's rise. Even Friedrich Merz, a prominent conservative politician, who once aimed to halve the support for the AfD, has stepped back from this goal.

Such a potential AfD sole government in Saxony-Anhalt could provide the party with further arguments against the "system", due to the potential instability of a coalition government. The question remains whether the democratic parties can find a way to counterbalance the AfD's rise and preserve the democratic values of Saxony-Anhalt.