AfD projected to win roughly 44% in Saxony-Anhalt state election

Exit polls released on Sunday indicated that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is on track to secure around 44 percent of the vote in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, positioning it ahead of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which recorded about 18.5 percent. The ARD poll projected the AfD at 44.5 percent, while a ZDF survey gave it 44 percent.

The results raise questions about whether the AfD can form a government on its own or will need to partner with other parties. The populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) is close to the 5 percent threshold needed for representation and has expressed willingness to cooperate with the AfD, potentially influencing coalition dynamics.

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel described the outcome as a “historic result” and said the party has a clear mandate for governing. Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund told ARD that the party had achieved its goals but could not confirm whether he would become the state premier.

CDU officials acknowledged the defeat. Party secretary Franziska Hoppermann called the result “very difficult,” and incumbent premier Sven Schulze noted that the AfD now holds the strongest position in the state parliament, requiring the CDU to respond accordingly.

The projected vote share marks the AfD’s strongest performance in Saxony-Anhalt and exceeds its previous high of 32.8 percent in Thuringia earlier this year. The party also leads in upcoming elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and shows notable support in Berlin.