AfD wants to form a government in Saxony-Anhalt — but how?

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved its highest election results in Saxony-Anhalt, garnering over 40% of the vote. However, they cannot form a government alone as they do not have the required majority of seats in parliament. The AfD is classified as a confirmed far-right extremist by the domestic intelligence agency, making cooperation with other parties impossible.

AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund stated that as a democrat, he would reach out to all those who wish to work with him to bring about a political turnaround. However, he acknowledged that no suitable coalition partners currently exist, referring to the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) with which Saxony-Anhalt has been governed since federal elections.

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel criticized the CDU's refusal to work with them, asserting that the CDU will not win another election and that the AfD has been given a mandate to govern democratically. Despite the AfD's platform calling for stricter immigration policies and a significant shift in Saxony-Anhalt's migration policies, the party's secretary-general, Franziska Hoppermann, categorically ruled out any cooperation with the CDU.

The biggest unknown in this power struggle is the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), which campaigns for a foreign policy more friendly towards Russia. While the AfD has expressed openness to cooperation with the BSW, ideological differences make them an unattractive partnership. Some AfD state politicians have already announced their intention to remain in opposition if they do not secure a majority, potentially leading to a minority government if other parties agree to support the AfD's policies.