All eyes on Saxony-Anhalt
Sunday’s election could bring in Germany’s first far-right state government since the Nazi era
TL;DR
- Three key German state elections are scheduled this month, with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) expected to gain significant support.
- The election in Saxony-Anhalt is particularly significant, as the AfD could achieve its first absolute majority at the state level since World War II.
- An AfD state government would have influence over federal policy through the Bundesrat and could serve as a launchpad for the 2029 federal election.
- If elected, the AfD plans to implement policies on migration, foster patriotism, cut funding to public broadcasters, alter education curricula, ban wind farms, and boost the German birthrate.
- Obstacles for the AfD include the 'firewall' resistance from other parties and the complexities of German election law, though a failure of smaller parties to reach the 5% threshold could benefit the AfD.