Germany’s far-right AfD bids for first taste of power in eastern vote
Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is aiming to win an outright majority in Sunday's regional election in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, a result that would make it the first far-right party to hold state-level power in the country since 1945. The vote is seen as a major test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose conservative CDU has faced booing at public appearances and persistent doubts over whether he can serve out his term, particularly given his earlier pledge to curb the far right's rise.
The AfD's lead candidate, 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, has dominated media coverage despite being dubbed "Germany's Most Dangerous Man" by Der Spiegel over aides with alleged past neo-Nazi links. Support is fuelled by discontent over immigration, public safety, the economy, energy costs and aid to Ukraine. The party's manifesto proposes segregating refugee children in schools, banning rainbow flags, setting up a task-force to detain and deport migrants, and reducing teaching on the Nazi era, while its pro-Russia sympathies — including a Russian army mug found in one AfD figure's office — have raised concerns about trustworthiness on intelligence matters, amid warnings of escalating Russian-backed disinformation.
- AfD seeks first-ever far-right state majority in Saxony-Anhalt election
- Vote poses fresh political risk for Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- AfD manifesto includes migrant segregation, deportations and pro-Russia ties criticised
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Germany is a federal country: its 16 states elect their own parliaments and governments, which handle areas such as schools and policing. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is a nationalist party founded in 2013; it has gained support in eastern Germany, where voters have raised concerns about immigration, living costs and public services.
The AfD is seeking influence in Saxony-Anhalt, while the long-established Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led nationally by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is trying to retain support. The party’s proposals and its links to far-right figures and pro-Russia views have drawn scrutiny. The outcome matters for how the state is governed and for the balance of power in Germany’s national politics.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
AfD supporters may argue that voters in Saxony-Anhalt deserve a decisive change after years of frustration over immigration, public safety, economic pressures and energy costs. They may see a strong election result as a democratic mandate to prioritise border enforcement, public services and national interests, and to challenge policies they believe have failed local communities.
The case against
Opponents may argue that the AfD’s proposals on refugee children, migrants, rainbow flags and teaching about the Nazi era threaten equal treatment, civil liberties and historical understanding. They may also see the party’s alleged links to neo-Nazi figures and pro-Russia sympathies as serious reasons to question its suitability for government, especially where security and public trust are concerned.