The far-right Alternative for Germany Party (AfD) has been recognized as the strongest party in Saxony-Anhalt in the recent elections, with nearly 44 percent of the votes. This party is just shy of achieving an absolute majority in the new state parliament and, based on this result, has a desire for an independent government.
AfD's Programs
From the very beginning, the AfD has stated that an independent government is its main goal. The party believes that it can only fully implement its programs if it is not forced to compromise with coalition partners. The party's programs include mandatory work schemes for refugees, citizen patrols to monitor immigration issues, and the cancellation of all public funding for democracy and civic engagement programs.
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Tensions and Criticisms
On election night, Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's main candidate, expressed a willingness to cooperate with other parties, but soon rejected this proposal, emphasizing a lack of compromise. Within the party, compromise is seen as a sign of weakness or betrayal of principles. Meanwhile, party spokespersons continue their attacks against political rivals and strongly criticize other parties.
The biggest potential rivals for a coalition with the AfD are center-right parties like the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and leftist parties like the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW). Immediately after the electoral victory, Alice Weidel, co-leader of the AfD, harshly criticized the CDU, stating that this party would no longer be able to win federal elections.
The increasing radical tone of the AfD and its classification as a far-right organization by security officials indicate serious challenges for democracy in Germany. The party continuously questions the legal equality of Germans with immigrant backgrounds and has declared its goal to "destroy" the CDU.
Ultimately, the party focuses on attracting voters disillusioned with the CDU, and currently, the only real partner for a coalition is the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW). This party has recently entered the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament and may act as a key player for the AfD. However, the AfD's efforts to collaborate with the BSW have also faced criticisms and attacks.
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