AfD's Potential Rise in 2026 Sachsen-Anhalt Election Sparks Political and Security Concerns

Sachsen-Anhalt is gearing up for a new state election in autumn 2026, with recent polls indicating a strong lead for the far-right AfD party at 40%, compared to the CDU's 26%. CDU candidate Sven Schulze has voiced serious apprehensions about this development. In an interview with the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, Schulze warned that an AfD victory, led by Ulrich Siegmund, would inflict "indescribable damage" on both Sachsen-Anhalt and Germany. He emphasized his opposition to including AfD or Left Party ministers in his cabinet, citing the AfD's surge as fueled by public fears about the future. According to Schulze, if these polling trends continue, the state could become "virtually ungovernable" due to the polarization.

Beyond political dynamics, security concerns are intensifying. Holger Münch, President of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), has cautioned that an AfD-influenced government could jeopardize the secure exchange of sensitive intelligence, threatening cooperation between federal and state authorities. This warning highlights broader risks associated with far-right parties gaining governmental power.

Economically, Sachsen-Anhalt is facing challenges, with unemployment costs rising to €76.6 billion in 2024, a 12.6% increase from the previous year, driven by higher unemployment rates and social welfare needs. Additionally, the government is committed to supporting the insolvent subsidiaries of the chemical company DOMO, ensuring continued employment for nearly 560 workers.

The current coalition, comprising CDU, SPD, and FDP, will face significant pressures if the AfD's electoral momentum remains unchecked. Schulze also noted poor approval ratings for the federal government, led by CDU's Friedrich Merz, attributing this partly to citizens’ unmet expectations.

As the September 6, 2026 election approaches, the state and national political landscape remain tense, with experts and politicians alike warning of the potential consequences of the AfD's ascendancy, both for governance and security in Sachsen-Anhalt.