A Change of Power is Coming in Germany: Merz's Place May Be Taken by Politicians from the 'Alternative for Germany'

According to analysts, the party is receiving 44.5% of the votes and has become the strongest in the parliament of the state — this is its best result in the history of elections to state parliaments. In 2021, the party received 20.8% in this state. The ruling CDU is significantly lagging behind, receiving 18.5% (compared to 37.1% in 2021). The AfD has already stated that it is ready to form a government in Saxony-Anhalt after winning the elections, reports Bild. The 'Alternative for Germany' called the election results in Saxony-Anhalt historic and claimed the right to form a government. According to the publication, even many party officials expected a result just slightly above 40%, so the initial forecasts turned out to be unexpectedly positive for them. Deputy head of the AfD faction in the Bundestag, Sebastian Münzenmaier, told BILD that "this is absolute madness, this is a historic result." According to him, if the party does not achieve an absolute majority, it still must "accept the mandate to form a government and propose negotiations." Co-chair of the AfD, Alice Weidel, also called the result "sensational." "This is a historic result. This is the best that has ever been achieved in this federal state," she said on ARD. Weidel stated that the AfD received "a completely clear mandate to form a government." At the same time, it remains unclear whether the party will be able to find partners: other major parties have previously ruled out a coalition with the 'Alternative for Germany.' However, according to exit polls, the Union of Sahra Wagenknecht is entering the state parliament, which has stated that it could enter into a coalition with the AfD. Together, they could have more than 50% of the seats.