AfD wins historic Saxony-Anhalt vote on pro-Kremlin platform
The Alternative für Deutschland secured a sweeping victory in Saxony-Anhalt, campaigning on policies such as encouraging Ukrainian refugees to return, promoting Russian language instruction and calling for the end of sanctions on Moscow.
The Alternative für Deutschland achieved its largest regional triumph in Saxony-Anhalt, presenting a government plan that openly supports policies favoured by the Kremlin. Central to the agenda are measures to encourage Ukrainian refugees to return to their homeland, introduce compulsory Russian language education, and lift existing sanctions on Russia. Ulrich Siegmund, the state party chief, belongs to the group that maintains a close relationship with the Kremlin, a stance shared by national leader Tino Chrupalla, while Alice Weidel focuses more on aligning with Donald Trump.
The AfD’s platform also calls for normalising commercial exchanges with Moscow and adopts a stringent approach toward Ukrainian migrants. This election result marks the most significant far-right win in Germany since the Second World War.
How this story developed
- Sep 7 AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt election, BSW holds potential sway over premier selection
- Sep 7 The AfD was reported to be three seats short of an outright majority, prompting coalition negotiations.
- Sep 7 Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the AfD’s strong showing in Saxony-Anhalt marks a turning point for Germany, warning of broader repercussions.
- Sep 7 AfD received 43.8% of the vote and the CDU dropped to about 17%.
- Sep 7 AfD announced it will begin talks with potential partners after falling short of a majority.
- Sep 8 CDU leaders proposed a working group to study a possible ban of the AfD.
- Sep 9 Former US president Donald Trump praised the Alternative for Germany (AfD) after its impressive result in Saxony-Anhalt, blaming the country's immigration policies.
- Sep 9 Trump posted a congratulatory message to the AfD on Truth Social after the Saxony‑Anhalt results.
- Sep 9 Merz and AfD leader Alice Weidel clashed in a Bundestag budget debate following the Saxony‑Anhalt result.
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