AfD wins record 44% in Saxony-Anhalt state election, projections show

Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is set for a record-breaking victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. Initial projections show the far-right party winning around 44% of the vote, far ahead of the conservative CDU on 17.8%.

State leader Ulrich Siegmund called the result sensational and immediately announced his intention to form a government. He told supporters: we have made history in this state, as they erupted in cheers and sang the national anthem together.

No far-right party has governed a German federal state since World War Two. If the AfD secures a majority in the 83-seat parliament, it would gain control over policing, local education and cultural policy in this state of 2.1 million people.

The final result depends partly on whether the left-wing populist BSW party clears the 5% threshold required to enter parliament. If BSW falls short, the AfD's chances of an outright majority grow significantly; it is currently projected to win around 39 seats.

Germany's domestic intelligence service classifies the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt as right-wing extremist, a label Siegmund rejects. The party is openly pro-Russia and runs a strong anti-migration campaign. Voter turnout reached approximately 78%. CDU incumbent Sven Schulze conceded defeat, and all other parties have refused coalition talks with the AfD.