AfD Set for Landslide in Saxony-Anhalt, Exit Polls Suggest

The Alternative for Germany appeared headed for a major victory in Saxony-Anhalt after polling stations closed, according to exit polls. The result put the far-right party at the center of attention in an important state election, but it did not settle whether AfD could take power.

Initial projections gave the AfD 44.5% of the vote, a commanding lead over the Christian Democrats, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s party, at 18.5%. Die Linke was projected at 9.5%, followed by the Greens at 9% and the Social Democrats at 8%.

The smaller BSW party also appeared to have crossed the 5% threshold required to return to the state parliament, against expectations. Turnout reached a historic 76.5% in the state, which once formed part of East Germany.

Counting continued, and early figures indicated that the AfD had not won an outright majority. Siegmund has repeatedly said that a clear majority would be a condition for accepting the office of state premier. He has described it as the only way to produce real change in Germany and has rejected governing with another party.

Other parties have also ruled out joining an AfD-led coalition. The party had been expected to receive about 40% to 41% in the final opinion polls, while Siegmund had set a target of at least 45%.