AfD's Rising Influence in Sachsen-Anhalt Sparks Public Concern Ahead of 2025 State Election

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised to potentially form a government for the first time in Sachsen-Anhalt following the state election on September 6, 2025. This significant shift has attracted widespread attention and sparked substantial debate across the region.

An analysis by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) highlights the stark ideological divide between the AfD and other political parties, revealing the party’s radical positions across six key policy areas including taxes, economy, climate, social issues, society, domestic policy, and international relations. The AfD notably champions traditional family structures in schools, rejects gender-inclusive language, and opposes measures to track femicides. Its climate policy positions are particularly extreme, opposing the expansion of wind energy and climate neutrality efforts while advocating for reversing the coal phase-out—a move that could impact Sachsen-Anhalt's chemical industry that relies on affordable energy and its leadership in renewable energy expansion.

Despite promoting itself as a defender of workers and lower-income groups, the AfD paradoxically opposes essential social welfare initiatives such as attracting foreign skilled labor, anti-extremism programs, and social housing support, potentially undermining social cohesion and public services.

Public sentiment collected by FOCUS online from Sachsen-Anhalt residents shows widespread concern about the AfD’s right-wing extremist tendencies and doubts about the feasibility of its promises. Young voters, entrepreneurs, clergy, and other citizens voiced fears over the party's potential governance. Issues such as pension security, healthcare, and economic stability dominate voter concerns. Small business owners report difficulties with rising costs and bureaucratic hurdles, calling for tax reforms and incentives. Many voters feel politically alienated, perceiving the government as indifferent to their struggles.

These perspectives indicate a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the current political landscape, with many desiring more empathetic and effective representation. The AfD's potential ascent to power adds urgency to these concerns and poses complex challenges for Saxony-Anhalt’s future social and economic policies.