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AfD aims for majority in Saxony-Anhalt state election
BBC News··5 Sept
Germany holds a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt this weekend, with the Alternative für Deutschland party aiming for a parliamentary majority. An outright win would be the first time a far-right party holds state-level power in post-war Germany. Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund, 35, has dominated media coverage. Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces pressure as the party strengthens in eastern strongholds.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Voters in Saxony-Anhalt choose a regional parliament that can form a state government.
- An AfD majority would be unprecedented for a far-right party in post-war Germany.
- Mainstream parties have dominated the state's politics for decades.
What's Happening
- The AfD manifesto proposes segregating child refugees into special classes in Saxony-Anhalt.
- Voters cite immigration, public safety, energy costs and aid to Ukraine among concerns.
- Siegmund has featured prominently in social media posts and campaign events.
Germany's Eastern State Politics
- Saxony-Anhalt is one of several eastern states where the AfD has built strongholds.
- Chancellor Merz pledged to halt the far right's rise but has faced booing at public events.
- Der Spiegel dubbed Siegmund Germany's most dangerous man in a recent cover story.
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