AfD in Saxony-Anhalt: More than twice CDU's share in initial projections (https://nordictimes.com/world/afd-saxony-anhalt-twice-cdu-initial-projections/)
AfD is projected to be by far the largest party in Saxony-Anhalt, with around 44–44.5 percent in the initial projections on Sunday – more than twice CDU's share. But an outright majority remains uncertain, and the other major parties' refusal to cooperate could make forming a government difficult.
When polls closed at 6 p.m., Infratest Dimap's initial projection put AfD at 44.5 percent, MDR reports. The projection is based on exit polls; vote counting had only just begun.
According to ZDF, its initial projection gave AfD 44.0 percent. Both projections put CDU far behind at 18.5 percent.
In the 2021 state election, CDU received 37.1 percent and AfD 20.8 percent. The initial projections would mean AfD more than doubling its support, while CDU would lose roughly half.
By 4 p.m., turnout had already reached 65.3 percent, according to ZDF – exceeding the overall turnout of 60.3 percent in the 2021 election.
AfD's lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund told ARD after the projection, according to DW:
– We have made history – that has to be said loud and clear.
He also called the projection a signal to the federal government.
The projections do not yet establish whether AfD will secure an outright majority. That depends on the allocation of seats and which smaller parties clear the 5 percent threshold to enter the state parliament.
BSW, for example, is right at the threshold: 5 percent in MDR's projection and 4.8 percent in ZDF's.
CDU and the other major parties ruled out cooperation with AfD before the election. If AfD falls short of an outright majority, those positions could make forming a government difficult.
AfD says it is open to cooperation but will not give up its core positions to gain power.
The state's domestic intelligence agency has classified AfD's regional branch as confirmed right-wing extremist. AfD rejects the allegations of extremism.
At AfD's election-night gathering, attendees cheered in front of ZDF's initial projection graphic. Naomi Seibt posted a 33-second video of the cheering on X.
AfD is projected to be by far the largest party in Saxony-Anhalt, with around 44–44.5 percent in the initial projections on Sunday – more than twice CDU's share. But an outright majority remains uncertain, and the other major parties' refusal to cooperate could make forming a government difficult.
When polls closed at 6 p.m., Infratest Dimap's initial projection put AfD at 44.5 percent, MDR reports. The projection is based on exit polls; vote counting had only just begun.
According to ZDF, its initial projection gave AfD 44.0 percent. Both projections put CDU far behind at 18.5 percent.
Roles reversed since the 2021 election
In the 2021 state election, CDU received 37.1 percent and AfD 20.8 percent. The initial projections would mean AfD more than doubling its support, while CDU would lose roughly half.
By 4 p.m., turnout had already reached 65.3 percent, according to ZDF – exceeding the overall turnout of 60.3 percent in the 2021 election.
AfD's lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund told ARD after the projection, according to DW:
– We have made history – that has to be said loud and clear.
He also called the projection a signal to the federal government.
Smaller parties' threshold could decide the majority
The projections do not yet establish whether AfD will secure an outright majority. That depends on the allocation of seats and which smaller parties clear the 5 percent threshold to enter the state parliament.
BSW, for example, is right at the threshold: 5 percent in MDR's projection and 4.8 percent in ZDF's.
CDU and the other major parties ruled out cooperation with AfD before the election. If AfD falls short of an outright majority, those positions could make forming a government difficult.
AfD says it is open to cooperation but will not give up its core positions to gain power.
The state's domestic intelligence agency has classified AfD's regional branch as confirmed right-wing extremist. AfD rejects the allegations of extremism.
At AfD's election-night gathering, attendees cheered in front of ZDF's initial projection graphic. Naomi Seibt posted a 33-second video of the cheering on X.
