Alternative für Deutschland lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund thanked Elon Musk on X for political support following a historic state election in Saxony-Anhalt, according to reporting from multiple outlets. The surge puts the far-right party on the brink of winning power at the state level in Germany for the first time since World War II, capturing 43.8% of the vote according to final results cited by primary reporting, or 44.4% in exit polls cited by CNBC.
Election Results and the Mainstream Firewall
The AfD more than doubled its support in the region of 2.1 million people west of Berlin compared to five years prior, according to primary source reporting. Despite winning 43.8% of the vote and securing 39 lawmakers in an 83-member parliament, the party fell three seats short of an absolute majority, which it needed to govern alone and bypass the mainstream parties’ refusal to cooperate. Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union polled a distant second with 17.2% of the vote and 15 seats, losing about half its support. The centre-left Social Democrats took 9.3%, the Greens polled 8.9%, and the Left party reached 8.6%, with each winning eight seats. The BSW party secured 5.3% of the vote and five seats, while turnout exceeded 80% according to the ZDF broadcaster cited by CNBC.
International Reactions and the Musk Endorsement
Ulrich Siegmund wrote on X thanking Elon Musk “for your support and for your clear and highly important perspective on the political developments of our time,” after Musk replied “Well done!” in German to AfD co-founder Alice Weidel on the platform. US President Donald Trump posted a screenshot of the election projection on Truth Social without comment, which was subsequently shared by Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev to praise what he called a “historic win for the pragmatic AfD.” Meanwhile, France’s Europe minister, Benjamin Haddad, warned that the result is “a serious moment in Europe” and stated that “nationalism and xenophobia will never be a solution.” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked that “in Poland, only idiots or traitors can rejoice at the triumph of the AfD in Germany.”
Economic and Security Implications
The German Economic Institute warned of far-reaching consequences for the regional economy, noting that the AfD’s restrictive immigration policies would prove “calamitous” for Saxony-Anhalt’s aging and dwindling population, which relies heavily on foreign workers. Critics have also raised concerns that an AfD-run state could leak sensitive information to Russia, given the party’s pro-Kremlin stance that includes urging an end to support for Ukraine and stripping Ukrainians of refugee status. The AfD has dismissed these concerns while proposing a reform of the domestic intelligence service, which it characterizes as biased.
Did you know? The AfD is now Germany’s most popular party nationally, polling at 28% according to a recent INSA poll cited by CNBC, significantly ahead of the conservatives at 20%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of the vote did the AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt?
The AfD won 43.8% of the vote in final results, more than double its showing from five years prior.
Did the AfD secure an absolute majority?
No, the party fell three seats short of an absolute majority, winning 39 seats in the 83-member state parliament.
How did mainstream parties react to the outcome?
Mainstream parties have refused any form of cooperation with the AfD.
What international figures commented on the election?
Elon Musk congratulated AfD co-founder Alice Weidel on X, Donald Trump shared election projections, and French Europe minister Benjamin Haddad called it a “serious moment in Europe.”
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