German voters head to polls as far-right AfD party eyes historic state win
Voters in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt are heading to the polls in an election where the far-right AfD party is polling strongly. A victory could mark the first time a far-right party holds state-level power in Germany since World War II.
Why it matters
The potential success of the AfD represents a significant shift in German politics and challenges the established political 'firewall' against far-right parties.
Saxony-Anhalt elections could see AfD become the first far-right party to take power at a state level since WWII.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Ulrich Siegmund, the top candidate in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, addresses a campaign event in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, on September 5, 2026 [AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff , DPA and Reuters Published On 6 Sep 2026 6 Sep 2026 Voting is under way in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt that could see the Alternative for Germany (AfD) become the first far-right party to take power at a state level since World War II.
Recent surveys place AfD at 40 percent, ahead of the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) at 23 percent.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Germany's alliance against the far right
Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election
German exit polls suggest far-right party has big lead in regional election
Germany's far-right AfD bids for first taste of power in eastern vote - BBC
‘Can no longer be stopped’: AfD races towards historic win in Germany state vote
Germany's far-right AfD bids for first taste of power in eastern vote
Germany’s far-right AfD is poised for power – and split on whether to cozy up to Trump - CNN
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