The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), a far-right and anti-immigrant party in Germany, has emerged as the leading party in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election. This outcome, based on exit polls, marks a significant advancement for the party.

Projections show the AfD outpacing Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) by a considerable margin. Yet, it remains uncertain if the AfD will secure enough seats for a majority in the state parliament.

Exit polls from public broadcasters ARD and ZDF indicate the AfD is likely to achieve between 44.1% and 44.5% of the vote, compared to the CDU’s projected 18.5%. In the 2021 election, the AfD secured 20.8%. If current projections hold, the CDU’s voter share will have halved while the AfD’s will have doubled.

The possibility of the AfD forming a government in Saxony-Anhalt would be unprecedented in Germany’s postwar history, as the far-right has never controlled a state government. The AfD’s influence has widened beyond East Germany to gain traction at the federal level as well.

The AfD’s prominence is further highlighted by its leader, Alice Weidel. She described the party’s momentum as “explosive growth” and predicted continued success across East Germany and nationally.

Leading the charge in Saxony-Anhalt is Ulrich Siegmund, a 35-year-old former marketing professional. He presents a polished image with a radical platform. His attire and appearance reflect a new, professionalized far-right image in Germany.

Siegmund campaigns for strict immigration policies, advocating mass deportations and reforms in migration and education policies. The AfD also favors altering the region’s public broadcaster and strengthening ties with Russia and the MAGA movement in the United States.

After the election results, Siegmund declared, “We have written history,” and credited Chancellor Merz for inadvertently aiding their campaign.

This story is evolving and will be updated as more information becomes available.