Key Takeaways
- AfD secured at least 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt.
- CDU came second with around 18.5%.
- Opponents fear AfD's rise could change the political landscape.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has emerged as the landslide winner in a key regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, securing at least 44% of the vote according to exit polls by public broadcasters ARD and ZDF.
The victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the ex-communist east, where AfD has tapped into a sense of nostalgia for the former East Germany and lingering resentment over the wealth gap with the west.
Ulrich Siegmund, the 35-year-old lead candidate of AfD, declared, 'We have made history today,' expressing jubilation over the party's strong showing.
While the CDU of Chancellor Friedrich Merz came in second with around 18.5%, the CDU's state premier Sven Schulze hopes to still form a new multi-party coalition to block AfD from governing the state alone.
All major parties have maintained a 'firewall' of non-cooperation with AfD, which is categorized as 'right-wing extremist' by Germany's domestic intelligence agency.
The spectre of a far-right state government drew thousands of AfD opponents to a rally in Magdeburg, the regional capital, with banners reading 'life is better without Nazis'.
Siegmund, known for his sharp undercut hairstyle and large social media following, has promised a 'remigration and deportation offensive' and vows to replace LGBTQ pride rainbow flags at public schools with the German standard.
In an effort to reverse population decline, AfD plans to offer 'baby bonuses' and lure back German expatriates.
The German Economic Institute has warned about the potential economic and social impacts of AfD's policies.
We have made history today
Ulrich Siegmund, Lead candidate of AfD
I’m very worried
Laura Saalfeld, Demonstrator
