Germany's far-right AfD bids for first taste of power in eastern vote

What the report says

Germany is heading into a closely watched state election in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is seeking an outright majority that would give it control of regional government. According to BBC World News, such a result would be the first time since World War Two that a far-right party has held state-level power in Germany. The vote is taking place amid broader concern in Berlin about the strength of the AfD and the political strain on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative CDU.

The BBC said the AfD’s local campaign is being led by Ulrich Siegmund, who has been prominent in polls and public attention. The party has built support in Germany’s east by tapping voter frustration over immigration, public safety, the economy, energy costs and aid to Ukraine. Its opponents view a possible win as a major danger, while the AfD portrays it as a step toward wider national influence.

BBC reporting also highlighted the party’s controversial platform, which includes tougher immigration and deportation measures, criticism of LGBT education and flags in schools, and calls to reshape how German history is taught. The party has also faced scrutiny from domestic intelligence services and criticism over possible extremist links and pro-Russia sympathies, allegations it rejects. State governments in Germany have real powers over areas such as education, policing and culture, so an AfD victory would matter both locally and at the national level.