Far-Right AfD Wins Landslide Victory in German State Election, Vows 'Deportations from Minute One'

Historic Win Falls Short of Majority

Despite the landslide, the AfD fell three seats short of an absolute majority in the state parliament, winning 39 of 83 seats . The party's lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, declared that "we have made history in this state" and insisted the AfD has a clear mandate to govern .

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered a devastating defeat, winning just 17.2%—less than half its 2021 result and the party's worst-ever performance in Saxony-Anhalt . The Social Democrats, Greens, and Left Party each secured approximately 8-9%, while the left-wing populist BSW party narrowly cleared the 5% threshold to enter parliament .

'Deportation from Minute One'

The AfD's 258-page "Vision 2026" manifesto outlines a radical transformation of migration policy . The party has promised "deportations from minute one," with the stated goal of removing the maximum number of immigrants without residency permits . Key proposals include:

• Creating a dedicated "Remigration Task Force" to coordinate and accelerate deportations 

The AfD also calls for ending sanctions on Russia and restoring diplomatic ties with Moscow, putting it at odds with the federal government's pro-Ukraine stance .

'Firewall' Under Pressure

Germany's mainstream parties have maintained a so-called "firewall" against cooperating with the AfD, which domestic intelligence has classified as a "confirmed right-wing extremist organization" at the national level . However, the party's victory has intensified debate about whether the firewall is sustainable .

The AfD is now Germany's most popular party nationally, polling at approximately 28%, comfortably ahead of the conservatives on 20% . Party leaders have signaled willingness to negotiate with other parties—including potentially the left-wing BSW, which shares some of the AfD's criticism of migration and Ukraine policies .

Migrant Communities Express Fear

The AfD's victory has sparked deep concern among migrant communities in Saxony-Anhalt. Last week, more than 120 migrant-owned businesses—including grocery stores, barbershops, and restaurants—closed in Magdeburg to protest the party's "remigration" rhetoric . The Refugee Council of Saxony-Anhalt warned that demands for mass deportations were causing "fear and insecurity" among residents with migration backgrounds .

Doctors and economists have warned that mass departures of foreign workers could devastate the state's economy. The director of a Quedlinburg clinic stated his hospital "would not be able to function without highly qualified colleagues of foreign origin" . Saxony-Anhalt has already lost nearly a quarter of its population since reunification and faces acute labor shortages .

International Reactions

The AfD victory has drawn international attention. Former U.S. President Donald Trump shared the election results on Truth Social . Elon Musk, who has expressed support for the AfD, received thanks from lead candidate Siegmund who said he "would very much welcome the opportunity for strong and constructive cooperation" . Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán congratulated the party on a "landslide victory," adding "Buckle up. This is just the beginning!" .

With voter turnout exceeding 78%—up from 60% in 2021—analysts note that nearly half of AfD voters were previously non-voters, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with established parties . The outcome has been described as a "turning point" for German politics and a significant blow to Chancellor Merz's authority just weeks after taking office .