AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt deepens pressure on Germany’s political centre
The far-right Alternative for Germany narrowly missed an outright majority in a regional election watched closely across Berlin and Brussels.
The Alternative for Germany has won a major victory in Saxony-Anhalt, narrowly falling short of an outright majority in one of Germany’s 16 regions. The result gives the anti-immigration nationalist party a stronger claim to influence while exposing further weakness in Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s centrist coalition.
The election was regional, but its political consequences extend beyond Saxony-Anhalt, which has about 1.7 million eligible voters. The outcome adds to pressure on Merz’s government and complicates Germany’s ability to respond to security, trade and economic challenges confronting Europe.
The AfD is particularly strong in eastern Germany, including poorer Saxony-Anhalt. Its campaign combined nationalist messaging with opposition to further military aid for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, alongside support for renewed purchases of Russian energy. German authorities have described the party as partly anti-democratic, while some regional branches have been classified as far-right extremist. The AfD rejects those descriptions.
The result has prompted concern among European Union officials and politicians from nationalist parties elsewhere in Europe. With elections expected in France, Italy, Spain and Poland over the next 12 months, Brussels is watching whether nationalist parties can convert dissatisfaction with mainstream governments into wider electoral gains.
The vote also highlights the strain between domestic grievances and European policy. Concerns over immigration, economic security and public services are competing with calls for unity on Russia, trade and the region’s broader security environment. The final governing arrangement in Saxony-Anhalt, as well as the result’s longer-term effect on Merz’s coalition, remains unresolved.
