Germany’s far right party set to win key election
The far-right AfD party has secured 43.8% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, falling just short of an outright majority. The result represents a significant shift in German politics and a major challenge for the ruling CDU party.
Why it matters
The rise of the AfD in regional elections signals growing political polarization in Germany and complicates the formation of stable governing coalitions.
— 12:57pm , first published September 7, 2026 — 5:09am
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Share A A A London: German politician Ulrich Siegmund has surged to success with a simple promise to return his community to the more comfortable times of the past.
“We want our good, old, safe Germany back at last,” was one of his most common refrains when urging voters to back him to lead the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt.
Ulrich Siegmund (centre) celebrates his likely win. Getty Images Voters responded with a thumping endorsement for Siegmund and the party he leads, the Alternative für Deutschland (Alternative for Germany), known as the AfD.
Also covering this story
8 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election
Germany’s far-right AfD wins big in eastern state; first post-WWII victory for a far-right party
German far-right set for big win eastern state - exit polls
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German voters head to polls as far-right AfD party eyes historic state win
‘Can no longer be stopped’: AfD races towards historic win in Germany state vote
right set for big win in eastern state of Saxony
AfD on track for first far-right postwar majority in Saxony-Anhalt
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