The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament election after all ballots were counted, taking 43.8% of the vote, the state election commission said.
It is the party’s strongest result in any state election and more than double its 20.8% share in 2021. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led in the state by incumbent Prime Minister Sven Schulze, finished second with 17.2% — its worst result in Saxony-Anhalt. The Social Democrats took 9.3%, the Greens 8.9% and the Left 8.6%. The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) cleared the 5% threshold with 5.3%. The Free Democrats failed to enter parliament.
Turnout was 77.8%, a post-reunification record for the state (60.3% in 2021). AfD won 39 of 83 seats. An absolute majority requires 42, so the party cannot govern alone. The other factions together hold 44 seats.
The result immediately reverberated beyond Germany. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote that “in Poland, only idiots or traitors can rejoice at the AfD’s triumph.” French Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad called it “a serious moment for Europe” and said “nationalism and xenophobia will never be a solution.” Jean-Luc Mélenchon described the outcome as a “catastrophic demonstration of the blindness of centrist European policy,” while Gabriel Attal called it a “wake-up call.”
Italy’s government split. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini congratulated Alice Weidel: “A spectacular success. This is democracy. Another Europe is possible.” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called the result “bad news” and “the affirmation of a force antithetical to liberal values.” Giorgia Meloni issued no official comment. Viktor Orbán wrote: “A magnificent night for Germany and Europe. This is only the beginning.” Congratulations also came from Herbert Kickl (FPÖ), Tomio Okamura of the Czech Republic and Geert Wilders (PVV).
