German region votes in election that could bring first far-right state governor to power

MAGDEBURG, Germany — Voters in eastern Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, went to the polls Sunday in a crucial election that could usher in the first far-right state government in the nation's post-World War II history. The vote brings the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a right-wing, anti-migration group, closer to its most significant political achievement yet.

Winning an absolute majority in the state legislature would grant the far-right party a decisive advantage, potentially enabling them to push through policies at odds with the mainstream parties. AfD's candidate for governor, Ulrich Siegmund, asserts, "We will write history here." However, the party's prospects of securing power remain uncertain, even if they surpass their opponents in the election.

The AfD party is the strongest opposition party in Germany's national parliament and is particularly strong in the former communist and economically disadvantaged eastern regions, such as Saxony-Anhalt. Its candidate for governor, Siegmund, fervently declares his intention to change the course of the nation.

Despite significant support, the party's chances of securing power are contingent upon winning an absolute majority in the state legislature. If AfD fails to achieve this, the party might struggle to form a coalition government. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose center-right party has governed Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years, warns that an AfD-led government could lead to a loss of foreign investment.

Meanwhile, incumbent Governor Sven Schulze, from Merz's Christian Democratic Union, is committed to not working with the far-right party. However, should AfD finish first without securing a majority, Schulze's CDU might face challenges in forming a stable government. Schulze could attempt to form an alliance with smaller parties, perhaps even with the support of the left-leaning Left Party, though this would require tacit approval from the CDU.

The outcome of Sunday's election will have far-reaching implications, potentially affecting not just Saxony-Anhalt but also neighboring states with elections on September 20. A victory for AfD could lead to a delicate power-sharing arrangement and raise concerns about the stability of the German government.