Saxony-Anhalt could be governed by two populist parties

Saxony-Anhalt could become the first German state since World War II to have a far-right government. If that happens, it would likely depend on the support of the left-wing populist BSW, creating an alliance between two parties that otherwise occupy opposite ends of the political spectrum.

The AfD won nearly 44% of the vote, giving it a clear mandate. Yet every other party has said it will not govern with the AfD, with one exception: BSW, the Alliance of Sahra Wagenknecht. BSW only narrowly crossed Saxony-Anhalt’s 5% threshold, but that was enough to give it a pivotal role and restore its relevance after narrowly failing to enter the Bundestag in 2025.

The parties agree on several issues. Both want immigration restricted and fuel prices reduced. Both are friendly toward the Kremlin and want Germany to stop supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. These issues do not fall under state authority, but both parties hope their success in Magdeburg will increase their influence at the federal level.

AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund would have preferred an outright majority. The party fell just three seats short of being able to govern alone, leaving it under pressure to deliver concrete results. BSW has proposed an “expert government” supported by shifting majorities, meaning the government would have to seek a majority on each individual issue. The AfD, which promised rapid and radical changes in the state, does not want that arrangement.

Much now points toward negotiations with BSW, effectively involving Sahra Wagenknecht. Whether the two parties can reach an agreement remains uncertain. The author describes the election as both a major AfD victory and a temporary reprieve for a BSW party facing serious problems elsewhere, including internal rebellion in Thuringia.

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No, this election result is not the end of democracy in Germany. It is a task: to strengthen democracy.