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German state election far-right win fears
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
AfD polls over 40% ahead of Saxony-Anhalt vote on Sep 6. A win could make it Germany's first far-right state government since 1945.
Background
Saxony-Anhalt, a depopulating eastern state with 2.1 million people, holds a state election on September 6. The far-right AfD, polling above 40%, could win its first-ever state government, breaking a postwar taboo. The party's anti-immigrant rhetoric has alarmed minorities and economists, who warn of economic and social damage.
How it unfolded
- Aug 30, 2026Migrants in Saxony-Anhalt express fears of AfD victory, some ready to pack bags.
- Sep 1, 2026AfD's top candidate promises 'economic boom', but economists warn of disaster.
- Sep 2, 2026German business leaders raise alarm over potential AfD win.
- Sep 4, 2026Minorities fear first far-right win, citing potential deportations and societal divisions.
- Sep 6, 2026Election day in Saxony-Anhalt.
Who’s saying what
- AfD
- Top candidate Ulrich Siegmund promises an 'economic boom' if the party wins.
- Economists
- Economists warn AfD policies would damage labor market and growth, and reversing renewables is 'completely counterproductive'.
- Chancellor
- Friedrich Merz warns the state would be 'considerably damaged' by a far-right government.
- Minorities
- Migrants fear hatred will spread and some are ready to leave.