Alternative for Germany Party Projected to Win Regional Election in Saxony-Anhalt

<p>The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is projected to achieve a significant victory in a regional election held on Sunday, impacting the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The CDU is expected to face a substantial decline in support in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.</p><p>AfD has aimed to establish the first far-right state government in Germany since World War II, although it remains uncertain if this goal will be realized.</p><p>Ulrich Siegmund, AfD's candidate for governor, stated, "we have written history." He further commented to public broadcaster ARD that the election results indicate that voters believe "things cannot carry on like this," and described it as a message directed towards Berlin.</p><p>Siegmund criticized Merz, saying, "A very good campaigner for us in this election campaign was Friedrich Merz. Every day this man is in the chancellery is one too many." The election takes place amid widespread dissatisfaction with the national government, which has struggled to address economic concerns.</p><p>AfD is seeking an absolute majority in the state legislature to govern independently, aiming to overcome the mainstream parties' refusal to collaborate with it. However, it is unclear if they will achieve this objective.</p><p>Franziska Hoppermann, the national general-secretary of the CDU, labeled AfD as a right-wing extremist party, stating, "It wants to leave the euro; that would be economic downfall... it works closely together with Russia, it wants a completely different social model." She affirmed that the CDU would not cooperate with AfD.</p><p>Should AfD succeed in forming its own government, it would mark a significant milestone in the party's 13-year history. Regardless of the outcome, the projected results represent a setback for Merz, whose party has governed Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years. Unlike several other European nations, Germany has not seen a far-right or right-wing populist party in power at the national, state, or major-city level.</p><p>AfD is currently the largest opposition party in Germany's national parliament and has a strong following in the eastern regions, including Saxony-Anhalt. Its regional branch is classified as a confirmed right-wing extremist group by the domestic intelligence agency, which cites disparagement of migrants from Muslim countries among its activities.</p><p>The party advocates for "remigration," which includes the deportation of immigrants. Siegmund has indicated that his priorities include a "deportation offensive" and eliminating incentives for immigration to Germany.</p><p>Germany's 16 states possess significant authority, including responsibilities for security and education. An AfD leader in a neighboring state is appealing convictions related to the use of a Nazi slogan. The party has rejected accusations of extremism as politically motivated.</p><p>According to projections from ARD and ZDF public television, based on exit polls and partial counting, AfD is estimated to receive over 44% of the vote, a substantial increase from its previous showing of 2.1% five years ago in the region of 2.1 million people west of Berlin. The CDU is projected to receive around 18%, losing approximately half of its previous support. The Left Party, Social Democrats, and Greens are each polling around 9%. It remains uncertain whether the BSW party will secure the 5% of the vote required to gain representation.</p><p><i>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</i></p>