BSW Says It Will Back AfD Candidate for Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament Presidency

The AfD could take the presidency of a German state parliament for the first time after its election success in Saxony-Anhalt. It would have the BSW to thank for the votes needed to secure the post.

BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht told Stern that her party’s decision would depend on the specific candidate. But she said there was no dispute that the AfD, as the state parliament’s clearly strongest faction, was entitled to the presidency. “Whether we vote for someone naturally depends on the specific candidacy,” Wagenknecht said. “But for us it is undisputed that the AfD, as by far the strongest faction, is entitled to the office of parliament president.”

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Whether we vote for someone naturally depends on the specific candidacy.

John Lucas Dittrich, the newly elected parliamentary director of the BSW group, was more direct in Magdeburg: “The AfD will receive our votes for the state parliament president.” That would give the party the majority required for the top post.

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But for us it is undisputed that the AfD, as by far the strongest faction, is entitled to the office of parliament president.

The newly elected parliament must meet by Oct. 6 and elect a president. As the largest faction, the AfD has the sole right to nominate a candidate in the first round. Its 39 members, together with the five BSW lawmakers, would reach the absolute majority required in the 83-seat chamber.

The move reflects the BSW’s opposition to the so-called firewall and its willingness to work with the AfD on specific issues. Wagenknecht has nevertheless ruled out coalitions with the party. In neighboring Thuringia, the AfD unsuccessfully sought the state parliament presidency in 2024. Saxony-Anhalt’s constitutional protection agency classifies the party as confirmed far-right extremist. The report said the article was still being updated.

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The AfD will receive our votes for the state parliament president.