Germany's Far-Right AfD Eyes State Government Power in Saxony-Anhalt

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is poised to potentially form a state government in Saxony-Anhalt following regional elections on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

The party has held a commanding lead in opinion polls for months, with some projections indicating it could win an absolute majority of seats. If the AfD secures power, it would be the first time a far-right party has led a German state government since World War II. Experts express concerns about potential consequences for the security apparatus, including undermining intelligence services and granting access to sensitive information.

The AfD has pledged to overhaul the state branch of the domestic intelligence agency, the BfV, which classified the party's local chapter as a right-wing extremist organization in 2023. The party also proposes a deportation and remigration offensive targeting irregular migrants, though some of these measures may require national or European-level authority and could face legal challenges.

The election is seen as a test for Germany's political establishment, with the AfD's leading candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, being a prominent figure in the campaign. Some conservative factions within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) are considering ruling out governing with support from the Left Party to potentially slow the AfD's rise.