AfD projects strong win in Saxony-Anhalt state election

9/7/2026

AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt jolts Merz and signals stronger far-right support Exit polls show a huge upset—see what it means for Germany’s next political battle

Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) was projected to win a strong result in SaxonyAnhalt’s regional election on Sunday, dealing a setback to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s centerright Christian Democratic Union. Exit polls and partial counts suggested AfD won just over 44% of the vote in the eastern state, far ahead of the CDU’s 18%. The result reflects continued voter frustration over the national government and concerns about the country’s weak economy. AfD had aimed to secure enough support to govern on its own, but it was still unclear whether it would reach an absolute majority or be able to form a state government. If confirmed, the outcome would mark the party’s biggest regional success since its founding and a significant shift in a state the CDU has led for decades.