Full Breakdown
AfD’s Energy Stance Threatens Eastern Germany’s Renewable Momentum
7/10/2026, 3:53:03 PM
AfD’s Energy Platform vs. Local Renewable Initiatives
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is campaigning in Saxony-Anhalt to halt the coal phase-out, revive nuclear power and impose a moratorium on new wind turbines. At the same time, Hannes Loth, the AfD’s first full-time mayor in the eastern town of Raguhn-Jeßnitz, is seeking state approval to install six wind turbines, a battery storage facility and a substation. Under Saxony-Anhalt law, municipalities receive €0.3 per kilowatt-hour generated by approved wind farms, making Loth’s proposal a direct contrast to his party’s manifesto.
Political Landscape and Election Stakes
The AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt election manifesto, released ahead of the state election on September 6, outlines the party’s energy agenda. Polls by infratest dimap show the AfD at roughly 41 % support, while the incumbent CDU-SPD coalition’s premier Sven Schulze trails at about 26 %. Roland Abold, managing director of infratest dimap, notes that voters in the state prioritize refugees, asylum policy, education and the economy over energy issues.
Business and Government Concerns
Local businesses warn that the AfD’s policies could damage the regional economy. Daniel Hannemann, chief executive of battery-storage maker Tesvolt, says a “climate of isolation” would hinder recruitment and that slowing wind-power expansion “directly harms companies like Tesvolt.” State Premier Schulze argues many AfD promises—such as scrapping the CO2 tax, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and reinstating nuclear power—cannot be enacted at the state level, requiring 35 Bundesrat votes while Saxony-Anhalt holds only four.
Criticism of AfD Energy Policy
Researchers contend the party’s energy stance is unrealistic and economically risky. Johannes Kieß, a right-wing extremism scholar at Leipzig University, says the AfD’s appeal “is built on emotion, mobilising resentment” rather than constructive policy. He warns that the program would have “severe negative consequences for Saxony-Anhalt’s economy and energy security.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Mr. Loth isn't someone who brings ideology into everything,” — Owner, local electrical-engineering company
- “I'm worried we could end up taking a step backwards,” — Tilo Hörtzsch, CDU councilor, Raguhn-Jeßnitz
- “When it comes to energy policy, the AfD's electoral success is not driven by constructive or innovative policy proposals,” — Johannes Kieß, Leipzig University
- “Anyone who slows the expansion of wind power, questions the legal support framework for renewable energy or seeks to roll back climate commitments is directly harming companies like Tesvolt,” — Daniel Hannemann, CEO, Tesvolt
- “Scrapping the CO2 tax and subsidies for electric cars, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, or bringing back nuclear power — if you want to achieve that through the Bundesrat (upper house of parliament), you need 35 votes. Saxony-Anhalt has four.” — Sven Schulze, State Premier
