Following the recent state election in Saxony‑Anhalt, Germany’s far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerged as the largest party, winning 39 of the 83 seats in the state parliament. Ulrich Siegmund, the 35‑year‑old AfD leader expected to assume the role of Minister‑President, announced that talks are underway with both the small far‑left BSW party and individual members of other parties to secure a stable governing majority.
Negotiations with the BSW
The BSW, a five‑seat party that also favors stricter immigration controls and a restoration of ties with Russia, has expressed interest in cooperating with the AfD. However, the BSW insists on remaining outside a formal coalition and demands an independent state premier, a condition Siegmund has rejected.
Potential CDU defections
If an agreement with the BSW cannot be reached, the AfD may look to persuade some of the 15 Christian Democratic Union (CDU) members in the state parliament to switch sides. While the CDU has employed a “firewall” strategy to isolate the AfD, internal opinion is divided, and no confirmed defections have been reported.
Election results and next steps
Siegmund noted that just under 44% of Saxony‑Anhalt voters supported the AfD, underscoring the party’s claim to name the Minister‑President. He added that the goal is to form a majority as soon as possible, even hinting that a new election could be called if no coalition emerges, stating that such a step is “something we do not, in principle, shy away from.”
German domestic security officials continue to classify the AfD as an extremist far‑right organization, and the party remains shunned by all other parties in the state parliament, aside from the BSW.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
