Voting in Saxony-Anhalt, eastern Germany, started on Sunday in a significant election where the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party may become the first far-right party to gain state power since World War Two. The AfD, led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, has been leading in the polls, with a chance of attaining an absolute majority, especially if smaller parties do not meet the 5% requirement to enter parliament.
The outcome will reflect on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government, which is trying to reduce AfD’s popularity by taking a harder stance on issues like migration and security. Approximately 1.7 million voters have until 6 p.m. to cast their votes, with initial results expected soon after polling ends. Recent surveys suggest the AfD has about 40% support, while Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU) are at 23%. An absolute majority would allow AfD to bypass traditional parties’ attempts to prevent them from gaining power under a “firewall” policy.
Achieving an absolute majority is challenging in Germany’s proportional electoral system designed to promote coalition governments. If AfD does not gain a majority, a CDU-led government under current state premier Sven Schulze is probable. This election is strategic for AfD in their larger goal to gain national power by the 2029 federal elections. Siegmund expressed confidence in their momentum, asserting that their movement cannot be halted.
If victorious, AfD plans to promote traditional values in schools, limit immigrant influence, and reform public broadcasting. Siegmund has dismissed the prospect of forming a coalition with mainstream parties and aims for over 45% of the vote. If they fail to achieve this, complicated coalition talks will be necessary, depending on which parties meet the 5% threshold. Polls indicate that some CDU coalition partners may not meet this requirement, complicating potential alliances further. Schulze may lead a minority government if needed, relying on support from the Left Party for stability.
With information from Reuters
