Far-Right Surge in Saxony-Anhalt and Across Europe
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Far-Right Surge in Saxony-Anhalt and Across Europe
- The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is polling at approximately 40-43% in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the September 6, 2026, state election, significantly higher than its 20.8% performance in 2021.
- Ulrich Siegmund is the AfD's lead candidate for Minister-President in Saxony-Anhalt, a role that would mark the first far-right state government in Germany since World War II if achieved.
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The German state of Saxony-Anhalt is currently holding a state election on September 6, 2026, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is projected to achieve a significant victory. Polling at around 40-43%, the AfD holds a substantial lead over the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which is polling at approximately 23%. This marks a considerable increase from the AfD’s 20.8% in the 2021 state election.
The AfD’s lead candidate for Minister-President in Saxony-Anhalt is Ulrich Siegmund. If the AfD secures an absolute majority, it would be the first time a far-right party has governed a German state since World War II. However, even with a strong showing, forming a government could be challenging as other major parties have a “firewall” policy refusing to cooperate with the AfD. The Saxony-Anhalt branch of the AfD has been classified as “confirmed far-right extremist” by the state’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution since 2023.
This surge in support for the AfD in eastern Germany is attributed to several factors, including economic frustration, concerns about migration, and dissatisfaction with the national government’s performance. The economic disparity between former East and West Germany, dating back to reunification in 1990, has contributed to feelings of deprivation and isolation, pushing some voters towards populist parties. The AfD’s anti-immigration stance and calls for “remigration” resonate with some voters in the region.
The rise of the AfD in Germany mirrors a broader trend across Europe, where far-right parties have seen a significant increase in support. Research indicates that nearly one in four voters in Europe now back far-right parties, a proportion that has grown almost fivefold since 1995. This shift has been particularly pronounced between 2023 and 2025, with far-right parties making notable gains in national elections in countries like France and Germany. In Germany’s 2025 federal election, the AfD doubled its score to 21%, becoming the second-largest party nationally.