After the Vote in Saxony-Anhalt: Implications for Germany and Europe

We unpack the results of the September 6 election in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) polled above 40 percent and is seeking its first-ever participation in government. We examine how foreign policy issues, particularly Russia, shaped the campaign, what the AfD’s strong result means for Germany’s political system and Chancellor Merz’s federal government, and what it signals for Berlin’s role in Europe as the far right gains ground and EU unity on Ukraine comes under increasing strain.