The Alternative for Germany emerged as the strongest party in Saxony-Anhalt’s September 6 state election, securing just under 44% of the vote, according to DW. The result left the far-right populist party narrowly short of an absolute majority and unable to govern alone.
The AfD had presented one-party rule as its preferred outcome. The party argued that avoiding coalition negotiations would allow it to pursue its agenda without concessions, including compulsory work schemes for asylum seekers, citizen patrols focused on migration-related issues and ending public funding for democracy and civic-engagement programs, DW reported.
On election night, lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund adopted a more conciliatory tone, telling broadcaster ARD that he was extending his hand to political forces prepared to support a fundamental change of course. He immediately qualified the offer, however, saying there would be “no bending” and “no compromises.”
Teresa Haußmann of the University of Potsdam told DW that the AfD views other parties as part of a political elite that must be opposed. She said populist parties often treat compromise as evidence that there is no single, clearly identifiable popular will. The source said this outlook has shaped the AfD’s confrontational approach to rivals for years.
The center-right Christian Democrats and the newly represented Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance are among the parties that could theoretically be considered partners. Yet both have faced attacks from AfD figures. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel criticized the CDU/CSU after the election, while party strategist Torben Braga described the AfD’s objective as either governing independently or causing such upheaval among competitors that they are transformed.
The BSW has signaled openness to talks and shares some policy positions with the AfD, DW reported. Nevertheless, AfD politicians also attacked it, including Oliver Kirchner, who questioned the reliability of a possible coalition, and Thuringian leader Björn Höcke, who called it another “cartel party.” With the AfD classified by security authorities in Saxony-Anhalt as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization, its continued hostility toward potential partners leaves the prospects for an AfD-led government uncertain. Kirchner said another election might be necessary if cooperation failed.