AfD Saxony-Anhalt Election: 44% Win Explained

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a historic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on 6 September 2026, winning around 44% of the vote according to exit polls and projections. That is more than double its 2021 result of 20.8% and the party's best-ever performance in any German state election. However, the AfD fell three seats short of an absolute majority in the 83-seat Landtag, leaving open whether it can form Germany's first far-right state government since World War II.

What happened in the Saxony-Anhalt election?

Voters in the eastern German state went to the polls with turnout reaching about 78%, the highest in Saxony-Anhalt since reunification in 1990 and far above the 60% recorded five years earlier. The 2026 Saxony-Anhalt state election drew national and international attention because the AfD had consistently polled above 40%, raising the possibility of an outright majority. The German firewall against far-right cooperation remained central to the outcome, as mainstream parties refused to work with the AfD.

Election results: AfD dominates, CDU collapses

According to projections from Infratest dimap and ARD, the AfD won approximately 44.2% of the vote, translating to 39 of 84 seats. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) collapsed to about 17.5%, its worst-ever result in the state, losing more than half its voters compared to 2021. The Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Left Party each took around 9%, while the left-populist BSW cleared the 5% threshold with about 5.1%. The Free Democratic Party (FDP) fell to around 2.3% and lost its parliamentary representation.

Projected seat distribution

• AfD: 39 seats
• CDU: 17 seats
• SPD: 9 seats
• Greens: 8 seats
• Left Party: 8 seats
• BSW: 5 seats

Because the BSW narrowly crossed the 5% threshold, the AfD's path to a majority narrowed. The remaining five parties together hold a narrow majority of seats but are deeply divided, making a grand anti-AfD coalition difficult.

Why the AfD won and what it means

The AfD has long been strong in eastern Germany, but it has never governed. Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund campaigned on abolishing asylum rights, mass deportations, ending public broadcasting funding and banning rainbow flags in schools. The state AfD branch is classified as a 'confirmed right-wing extremist movement' by Germany's domestic intelligence service. The result mirrors a wider far-right surge in eastern Germany that has alarmed mainstream parties across the country.

"This is the best result the AfD has ever achieved in a major election," Siegmund said after the exit poll, adding that the party had "written history." He said he is willing to talk to other parties, but not to compromise on migration and security. Co-leader Alice Weidel called it a "historic result" and said the party has a clear mandate to govern. Her co-leader Tino Chrupalla declared that the so-called Brandmauer had been "voted away."

Reactions at home and abroad

Other German parties reacted with shock. Left Party lead candidate Eva von Angern called it a "black day for Saxony-Anhalt," while Greens federal chairman Felix Banaszak described the situation as "dramatic." CDU lead candidate Sven Schulze, the incumbent minister-president, acknowledged a defeat but pointed to the high turnout: "This is democracy." Dutch PVV leader Geert Wilders congratulated the AfD on X, writing "Gratuliere."

What comes next for Saxony-Anhalt?

Coalition negotiations could take weeks. The CDU has ruled out cooperating with both the AfD and the Left Party, while the BSW has signalled openness to working with the AfD. Observers compare the situation to previous coalition talks in German states, where forming a stable government without the far right proved difficult. If no majority government emerges, new elections or a minority government could follow. The result also puts pressure on Chancellor Merz, whose CDU suffered a crushing defeat in a state he personally campaigned in.

FAQ: AfD Saxony-Anhalt election explained

Did the AfD win an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt?

No. The AfD won about 44% of the vote and 39 of 84 seats, three seats short of an absolute majority.

What was the CDU's result in the 2026 Saxony-Anhalt election?

The CDU collapsed to roughly 17.5%, its worst-ever result in the state, down from 37.1% in 2021.

Is the AfD considered extremist in Saxony-Anhalt?

Yes. Germany's domestic intelligence service has classified the state AfD branch as a confirmed right-wing extremist movement.

What is the German firewall or Brandmauer?

The Brandmauer is the agreement by mainstream parties never to form coalitions with the far-right AfD. AfD leaders claim it was voted away in this election.

Who is Ulrich Siegmund?

Ulrich Siegmund, born 1990, is the AfD's lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt and a state parliament member since 2016. He advocates radical migration and social policies.