AfD eyes Saxony-Anhalt government after historic state election result

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has signaled its intention to pursue government formation in Saxony-Anhalt following a landmark performance in the state election, with party leaders describing the outcome as an unprecedented mandate.

At a press conference in Berlin, AfD candidate for state governor Ulrich Siegmund said he would enter the race for the top post if a stable majority can be secured. He noted that such a majority is not yet foreseeable and that the immediate focus would be on organizing support in the coming days and weeks, either through full backing from a parliamentary group or from individual members of the state parliament.

Party co-leader Alice Weidel framed the result as part of a broader national shift, asserting that the Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party would never again win a federal election. She pointed to a current ten-point gap in polling and set an ambitious target of reaching at least 40 percent support before the next federal vote, arguing that the public is demanding a change in how politics is conducted.

Co-leader Tino Chrupalla called the result historic, noting that no party in Saxony-Anhalt had previously crossed the 40 percent threshold. While acknowledging that forming a government will be difficult and may require compromises, he said the party would hold talks with all parties and urged others to engage constructively, adding that the election campaign is now over.

Siegmund described the campaign as part of a broader "Vision 2026" that extends beyond the state, claiming it carries momentum that cannot be stopped and is inspiring similar efforts across Germany. He framed the result as a democratic path to change and spoke of restoring what he called an old, safe, and beautiful Germany.