AfD in Saxony-Anhalt: Why the AfD's Program Is Not Financially Viable

A new analysis by researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research Halle (IWH) suggests that the election program of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Saxony-Anhalt is largely unaffordable. The study examined the potential costs of the AfD's campaign promises and assessed their financial feasibility, concluding that a significant portion of the party's pledges may not be achievable.

The researchers found that if the AfD intends to govern without incurring new debt, a substantial financial hurdle must be overcome. Specifically, the party would need to replace 877 million euros in credits that are already allocated within the state budget. This figure highlights the significant fiscal challenge posed by the AfD's platform, especially given its stated commitment to fiscal prudence.

Despite these financial concerns, the AfD holds a strong possibility of governing alone in Saxony-Anhalt. However, the IWH's findings indicate that many of the party's electoral promises could falter due to these financial limitations. The report underscores a potential disconnect between the AfD's ambitious campaign agenda and the fiscal realities of the state budget.

The exclusive nature of the report, marked as "Z+" and requiring a subscription, suggests a detailed examination of the AfD's financial proposals. The core issue revolves around the party's pledge to avoid new debt, which necessitates a complex restructuring of existing budget allocations to accommodate their proposed expenditures.