Germany’s far-right AfD says ‘democracy demands’ parties work with them after state election win
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has claimed a historic win in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt and is now pushing other parties to co-operate with it, arguing that "democracy demands" they do so. Preliminary results give the AfD 43.8% of the vote, leaving it three seats short of an outright majority, and it is now seeking backing from other parties or individual MPs to form a government. This matters because no far-right party has governed a German state since the Second World War, and the outcome could reshape how mainstream parties respond to the AfD's growing strength, particularly in the country's east.
The AfD is projected to win 39 of 83 seats, three short of the 42 needed for a majority, with the party's Saxony-Anhalt leader Ulrich Siegmund calling the result a "clear mandate to govern" and deputy federal leader Beatrix von Storch urging rivals to enter talks. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose CDU saw its vote share almost halved to 17.2%, described the result as "seismic" and said Germany needed "profound reforms". Options being discussed include informal support from the small BSW party to allow an AfD minority government, an unlikely CDU-led minority coalition, or a fresh election, with the AfD's controversial plans including segregated schooling for child refugees and a task force to deport migrants without residency rights.
In short
- AfD wins 43.8% in Saxony-Anhalt, just short of a majority
- Party demands other parties negotiate to let it govern
- Chancellor Merz calls result "seismic"; CDU vote share nearly halved
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of co-operation argue that the AfD’s strong result and its 39 seats give it a substantial democratic mandate, and that excluding it from talks risks leaving many voters without influence over government. They may also contend that discussing proposals openly, while negotiating safeguards and compromises, is more accountable than relying on informal arrangements or forcing another election.
The case against
Opponents argue that winning the largest share of votes does not entitle the AfD to govern when it lacks a majority, and that other parties remain answerable to voters for whom they choose to partner with. Given the AfD’s proposals on refugees and migration, they may see refusing co-operation as a principled way to protect rights and democratic norms, while pursuing reforms through other governing arrangements.
Explained simply
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a national political party that is especially strong in eastern Germany. Saxony-Anhalt is one of Germany’s 16 states, and its voters elect a state parliament that chooses the state government.
Germany’s mainstream parties have generally refused to govern with the AfD, which is classified by domestic security authorities as far-right. Because the party lacks a majority in the state parliament, it would need support from other parties or individual MPs to govern.
No far-right party has led a German state government since the Second World War. How other parties respond could affect political co-operation in Saxony-Anhalt and set a precedent as the AfD gains support in eastern Germany.
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