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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in