Saxony-Anhalt's state election will have a nationwide impact
The parliamentary election in the small eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt could have dramatic consequences for Germany's federal government, further raising dissatisfaction with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Saxony-Anhalt holds a state election on Sunday where voters will elect a new parliament. Despite being the least populous of Germany's 16 federal states, the outcome of the vote has drawn national attention due to the strong performance of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The CDU/CSU, Germany's conservative governing coalition, faces uncertainty over Chancellor Friedrich Merz's future following the election.
If the AfD secures an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt, it could destabilize the federal government coalition and intensify scrutiny over the suitability of the AfD for federal office. Merz has ruled out working with the AfD or the Left Party, which shares their basic ideological differences. While a minority government with the SPD and Greens is theoretically possible, it is unlikely to gain a parliamentary majority and would require Left Party support.
The CDU faces internal divisions over the AfD, with some conservative politicians fearing the right-wing party's potential harm to the coalition. Despite recent calls for calm, Merz remains committed to his government and upcoming pension reforms, despite criticism from within his party. The SPD, which has shown improved poll numbers, may seek to form a minority government with the Left Party, though this too faces security concerns if an AfD interior minister were to gain access to sensitive data.
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