The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) tops polls with over 40% support in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the state election on September 6, 2026, leading other parties by 10-20 points [1, 2, 3, 4]. AfD hopes to seize power in the state for the first time, possibly governing alone or with the small right-wing BSW party, which may clear the 5% threshold and back AfD [2, 3, 4].
Ulrich Siegmund, 35, the AfD’s lead candidate for state premier, has campaigned on restricting illegal immigration, banning LGBTQ rainbow flags in schools, and halting new wind power projects. He stated, “I want my beautiful, old, safe Germany back” during large public rallies [1, 3, 4].
The incumbent premier, Sven Schulze, 47, leads a CDU coalition with SPD and FDP but faces weakening support. Schulze’s minority government could rely on passive tolerance or left-wing cooperation to block AfD if it falls short of a majority [1, 2, 3, 4].
Most other parties have ruled out coalitions with AfD, which Germany’s domestic intelligence designates as an extremist right-wing group [1, 2, 3, 4]. The state’s population is about 2.1 million, with unemployment near 8% [1, 3]. AfD’s rise reflects long-standing eastern German dissatisfaction with economic and social conditions since reunification [1, 3].
A nationwide Ipsos poll from August 26-31 shows 41% of Germans fully agree that AfD governing Saxony-Anhalt would threaten democracy, and 48% say Chancellor Friedrich Merz should resign if AfD wins there. The poll also found AfD would lead federal votes at 27% if a national election were held now [5, 6]. Concern over AfD’s threat differs regionally, with 57% of West Germans and 38% of East Germans expressing worry [5, 6].
Analyst Oliver Lembcke of Ruhr University said, “If AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt, it will be a total defeat for Merz personally, who vowed to halve their vote share but now sees them surpass CDU as the largest party” [3].
Media reports highlighting AfD’s lead and the potential impact on German politics emerged today ahead of the September 6 election day [1, 2, 5, 3, 4, 6].
