Sachsen-Anhalt: So läuft die erste Landtagssitzung – erster AfD-Präsident?

In the Magdeburger Landtag, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) will no longer sit on the right flank but in the middle. The party, now the largest with 39 members, is set to elect its first Landtagspräsident, a first for Germany. Although the AfD does not have its own majority, it has secured the support of the Bremen State Parliament (BSW), which could be crucial for votes.

The 83 Landtagsabgeordneten (state lawmakers) are convening in Magdeburg for the first time, marking a significant change in the majority composition since the last legislative period. The AfD has 39 seats, equal to the combined total of CDU (15), SPD (8), Linke (8), and Grüne (8). The BSW, with its 5 members, is expected to play a decisive role in many votes.

On Tuesday, the lawmakers will decide on several matters. The primary decision will be the selection of a new Präsidium (presidential team). For the first time, a member of the AfD could become the Landtagspräsident. The party is classified as far-right by the Verfassungsschutz (Federal Constitutional Protection Service), a classification it has held traditionally.

The strongest party in the Landtag traditionally nominates one of its members for the presidency, in this case, the AfD. They have nominated 35-year-old Tobias Rausch, who has been a member of the Landtag since 2016. The BSW wishes to accompany Rausch in his endeavors.