Saxony-Anhalt election: How the AfD became so strong
Translated from German and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
Analysis
Documents & data
Outcome reported
- Initial projections gave the AfD 44% in Saxony-Anhalt, its strongest result in a state election.
- The CDU fell to just over 18%, its worst result since German reunification, while turnout reached about 78%, a state record.
- Voting patterns showed the AfD drawing support beyond the far-right milieu and from the middle of society.
The AfD’s strength in Saxony-Anhalt had been visible in the polls, but the first projections confirmed a historic result: 44% in the state election, the party’s best performance in any German state election.
The result is still expected to fall just short of an absolute majority. For incumbent state premier Sven Schulze of the CDU, and for all other parties, it represents a historic defeat. The CDU won only slightly more than 18%, its weakest result since reunification.
Turnout reached about 78% across the state, the highest in Saxony-Anhalt’s history. A closer look at voters’ age, gender, place of residence and reasons for voting shows how the AfD has expanded its support.
The party is no longer drawing its strength only from the far-right milieu. It is also winning voters from the civic middle of society, whether they are angry with the government or worried about their jobs.
About this summary
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.
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