Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Merz Warns AfD Victory Could Deter Saxony-Anhalt Investors

9/1/2026

39 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that an AfD victory would deter foreign investors in Saxony-Anhalt.
AfD leads opinion polls with 42% support, ahead of the CDU at 22%.
Schulze hopes the AfD stays below 50% to prevent a majority government.
All main parties have ruled out any coalition with the AfD if it lacks an absolute majority.
AfD’s program proposes ending state payments to churches and abolishing the church tax.

History

Historical Context

In July 1932, amid the Great Depression’s collapse of German industry and unemployment near 30%, the Nazi Party won 230 of 608 Reichstag seats—the largest share in Weimar history—but lacked a majority. The result left moderate parties unable to form a government, prompting President Hindenburg to dissolve parliament again in November, a pattern echoed in today’s right-wing surge concerns.

1 of 2

Story summary

Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that an AfD victory would deter foreign investors in Saxony-Anhalt.
AfD leads opinion polls with 42% support, ahead of the CDU at 22%.
Schulze hopes the AfD stays below 50% to prevent a majority government.
All main parties have ruled out any coalition with the AfD if it lacks an absolute majority.
AfD’s program proposes ending state payments to churches and abolishing the church tax.

1 / 2