Saxony-Anhalt a state dominated by the Chemical industry and a strong AfD

Saxony-Anhalt, a state in central Germany, is known for its rich cultural heritage and chemical industry. Many famous Bauhaus architects once resided and worked in the region, while towns like Eisleben and Wittenberg preserve the legacy of Martin Luther and the Reformation. The state's economy is heavily reliant on the Chemical Triangle, which provides around 10,000 jobs.

Saxony-Anhalt is also home to the Harz mountain range and the River Elbe. Due to the decision to phase out lignite coal, the southern part of the state is undergoing structural change, resulting in slightly elevated unemployment levels.

With a population of about 2.1 million, Saxony-Anhalt is one of Germany's less densely populated states, having only Magdeburg and Halle with over 200,000 inhabitants. In September 2026, the state's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is facing a challenge as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, led by Ulrich Siegmund, gains significant support.

The AfD has a polling lead of over 40% in the state, classifying it as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, despite not deterring its popularity among voters.

The CDU, which has governed the state since its re-establishment in 1990, trails behind the AfD, holding support between 23% and 26%. The Left Party and Social Democratic Party (SPD) have 13% and between 6% and 7% support, respectively. It remains to be seen whether the Greens and the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP) will succeed in regaining their seats in the state parliament.

Reiner Haseloff, who served as State Premier for 15 years, expressed feeling as though he were in the final phase of the Weimar Republic's Reichstag while in state parliament. The upcoming election may mark a shift in the state's political landscape, with the AfD poised to take on the CDU's long-held dominance. The state's unique demographics, including an aging population and a gender imbalance among younger age groups, have contributed to the rise of extremist parties in the past.

The AfD's success in Saxony-Anhalt is attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with developments in Germany, particularly in the chemical industry and lignite mining sectors following German reunification.