AfD wins election in Saxony-Anhalt and claims right to form government

“Alternative for Germany” won the election in Saxony-Anhalt and declared its claim to form the regional government.

This was reported by Bild.

Within the party, the result was called historic. According to the outlet, even many party functionaries had expected a result only slightly above 40%, so the first projections turned out to be unexpectedly positive for them.

AfD deputy parliamentary leader in the Bundestag Sebastian Münzenmaier commented on the election results on BILD:

“This is absolutely insane, this is a historic result,” Münzenmaier said. According to him, if the party does not win an absolute majority, it should still “accept the mandate to form a government and offer negotiations.”

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel also called the result “sensational” and spoke on ARD.

“This is a historic result. This is the best that has ever been achieved in this federal state,” Weidel said.

Weidel stated that the AfD had received “a completely clear mandate to form a government.” At the same time, it remains unclear whether the party will be able to find coalition partners: other major parties had previously ruled out an alliance with “Alternative for Germany.”

However, according to exit poll data, the Sara Wagenknecht Union is set to enter the state parliament; Wagenknecht had previously expressed willingness to join a coalition with the AfD. Together, the two parties could hold more than 50% of seats in parliament.