AfD poised to dominate Saxony-Anhalt's 2026 election amid shifting political tides
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is on track to become the leading party in Saxony-Anhalt's upcoming election. Polls indicate strong support, with 40 percent of voters backing the party despite its controversial policies. The shift comes as the state's political scene evolves, with long-time CDU leader Reiner Haseloff stepping aside in 2025.
Saxony-Anhalt's political landscape has changed significantly in recent years. In 2021, the CDU secured 37.1 percent of the vote under Haseloff, forming a coalition with the SPD and FDP. But in August 2025, Haseloff announced he would not seek re-election, endorsing Sven Schulze as his successor. The upcoming vote on September 6, 2026, now sees the AfD gaining momentum.
The AfD has released a 156-page governing programme for the state. It combines sharp criticism of migration, calls for stricter asylum rules, and a more conciliatory stance toward Russia. The document also emphasises support for democracy and free speech, though critics argue it promotes authoritarian policies and weakens democratic institutions. Supporters of the AfD include a mix of mainstream voters, and warnings from opponents are often dismissed as exaggerated. Despite this, most Germans reject dictatorship, yet the party's polling numbers remain high in the eastern state.
The AfD's rise in Saxony-Anhalt reflects broader shifts in regional politics. If current trends hold, the party could emerge as the strongest force in the autumn election. The outcome will shape the state's policies on migration, governance, and international relations in the years ahead.
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