State Elections in Saxony-Anhalt: What Is at Stake for Germany?

The AfD is heading toward a historic success in Saxony-Anhalt, despite Chancellor Friedrich Merz once saying he wanted to halve the party's support. In the state election, the party could become the strongest force and, depending on the result, might even take over the government.

That raises difficult questions about the reasons behind the populists' advance and how much responsibility the federal government bears for it. The outcome could also test how Germany's established parties respond if the AfD wins the most votes but falls short of an absolute majority.

In a roundtable discussion, the four hosts of Das Politikteil examine the possible consequences of an AfD victory for Saxony-Anhalt and for democracy. They discuss potential governing alliances, the Union's handling of the AfD, and whether the party might lose some of its appeal once it assumes responsibility for governing.

Peter Dausend, Ileana Grabitz, Tina Hildebrandt and Heinrich Wefing host the monthly Politics Section roundtable. The episode was updated on September 5, 2026.

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The Politics Section