AfD leads by 20 points ahead of German state vote
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has opened a 20-point lead over Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats (CDU) in Saxony-Anhalt ahead of the state elections in September, according to an INSA poll released Monday.
The AfD gained one percentage point to reach 42%, while the CDU fell to 22%. The Left Party stood at 13%, followed by the Social Democrats (SPD) at 6%.
The AfD has never entered a governing coalition at either state or federal level, as Germany’s mainstream parties maintain a political “firewall” against cooperation with the party.
The AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt branch has been classified as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization by the state’s domestic intelligence agency.
5% threshold could decide outcome
The AfD could potentially secure an outright majority if several smaller parties fail to cross the 5% threshold required to enter the state parliament.
The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) is currently polling at 5%, while the Free Democrats (FDP) and Greens are each at 4%.
BSW lead candidate Thomas Schulze said his party’s entry into parliament could prevent another CDU-led government, although the party has ruled out committing to an AfD government.
Instead, Schulze has called for shifting parliamentary majorities and a cross-party premier to reduce political polarization.
AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund rejected the proposal, saying the state needs a stable government.
Saxony-Anhalt is currently governed by a coalition of the CDU, SPD and FDP.
Source:DP
