AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt vote as government formation remains uncertain
The AfD led Saxony-Anhalt’s September 6, 2026, election, with projections putting it above 44%, but its ability to form a government remained unresolved.
In short
- The AfD led Saxony-Anhalt’s September 6, 2026, election, with projections putting it above 44%, but its ability to form a government remained unresolved.
Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland won the largest share of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt’s state election on September 6, 2026, but its route to forming a government remained uncertain. Projections reported by the Associated Press put its support at more than 44%, over twice its share at the previous state election, while indicating that it had fallen short of a majority.
The result puts pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats and on other parties’ refusal to cooperate with the AfD. Winning the most votes does not by itself settle who can command a governing majority.
Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s lead candidate, thanked Elon Musk for his support after the vote and invited further cooperation, The Guardian reported on September 7. Musk had congratulated party co-founder Alice Weidel on the projected result.
The election also drew concern abroad. France’s Europe minister, Benjamin Haddad, warned against nationalism and xenophobia, while calling for a response to voters’ concerns, according to The Guardian. Government formation remains the next decisive stage; the election victory should not be read as confirmation that an AfD administration has taken office.
