Saxony-Anhalt Election 2026: AfD Eyes Historic Victory as Germany Votes

The Saxony-Anhalt election 2026 is underway on Sunday, 6 September, in a closely watched vote that could produce one of the most significant political shifts in modern Germany.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), led in the state by Ulrich Siegmund, has been polling above 40% for months and is aiming to become the first far-right party to lead a German state government since World War II.

Voting is still ongoing, meaning no final result has been confirmed yet.

AfD Polling Above 40%

Pre-election surveys have consistently shown the AfD as the strongest party in Saxony-Anhalt.

Reuters reported that the party has been polling above 40%, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has been at around 23%.

The AfD is attempting to secure an outright majority in the state parliament. Whether it succeeds could depend heavily on how many smaller parties cross Germany’s 5% electoral threshold required to enter the legislature.

Why an Absolute Majority Matters

Germany’s major mainstream parties have repeatedly ruled out governing with the AfD under what is commonly called the political “firewall” against cooperation with the party.

That means even if the AfD finishes first, it could still struggle to form a government unless it secures enough seats to govern alone.

Siegmund has indicated that he would seek the state premiership only with an outright majority. Meanwhile, incumbent CDU state premier Sven Schulze has also ruled out cooperation with the AfD.

The performance of smaller parties, particularly the Social Democrats, Greens and Left Party, could therefore determine whether an alternative governing majority remains possible.

Why Saxony-Anhalt Matters Nationally

Saxony-Anhalt has around 2.1 million residents and has been governed by the CDU for more than two decades.

The election is being seen as an important test for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his party, as well as a wider indicator of political sentiment in eastern Germany.

Support for the AfD has grown strongly in the region amid concerns over immigration, economic inequality and dissatisfaction with the federal government.

Deutsche Welle reported before the election that the AfD was polling above 40%, with some surveys putting support as high as 43%.

AfD Policies Under Scrutiny

If the AfD were to take control of the state government, its policies could affect areas including immigration, education, culture and public broadcasting.

The party has also criticised the internationally recognised Bauhaus movement based in Dessau, with proposals including changes to cultural policy and funding.

A state-level victory would therefore carry significance far beyond Saxony-Anhalt.

Key Facts

• Saxony-Anhalt is voting on 6 September 2026.
• The AfD has been polling above 40%.
• The CDU has been polling at roughly 23%.
• Ulrich Siegmund is the AfD’s lead candidate.
• Sven Schulze is the CDU’s incumbent state premier.
• An AfD-led government would be the first of its kind at German state level in the post-war era.

What People Are Asking

Has the AfD won the Saxony-Anhalt election?

Not yet. Voting is still taking place on 6 September, and no final result has been confirmed.

Why is the Saxony-Anhalt election important?

It could give the AfD control of a German state government for the first time and would also test support for Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU.

Can the AfD govern if it finishes first?

Not automatically. Without an outright majority, it would likely need coalition support, but Germany’s mainstream parties have ruled out governing with the AfD.