AfD leads polls in Saxony-Anhalt state election, eyeing historic governorship
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The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is ahead in the Saxony-Anhalt vote, which could make it the first far-right party to head a German state government since World War II.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) candidate Ulrich Siegmund is leading in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, positioning the party to become the first far-right governing party in a German state since 1945. Siegmund, a 35-year-old former marketing professional, has built a substantial following on TikTok, where he answers voter questions from his home porch and promotes a platform that includes strict immigration limits and opposition to foreign-trained medical staff.
The AfD’s campaign has drawn both support and criticism from local residents. Some voters, such as 49-year-old aviation engineer Alexander Winsek, say the party offers “good ideas” on migration while still supporting NATO and the euro. Others, like former AfD supporter and law student Hannes Kreschel, have become disillusioned after reviewing the party’s policies, describing them as “not a viable alternative” and “filled with hate.”
Political scientist Marcel Lewandowsky, who studies democratic resilience, noted that many AfD voters claim to support democracy but also feel the system is not functioning. He said the party’s anti-establishment message resonates with voters who feel excluded from mainstream politics.
If the AfD wins, it would mark a significant breakthrough for a party that domestic intelligence agencies in several states have classified as right-wing extremist. The outcome is being closely watched as the party also leads in national polls.