Full Breakdown
Elon Musk Praises AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt Victory as Far-Right Party Nears State Power
9/7/2026, 11:38:49 PM
The Election Result
On September 6, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) secured a historic win in Saxony-Anhalt. Preliminary results gave the AfD 43.8 % of the vote, translating into 39 of the 83 seats in the state parliament—three seats short of a majority. The incumbent Christian Democratic Union (CDU) fell to roughly 17 %, while Die Linke, the Social Democrats and the Greens each received between 8 % and 9 %. Turnout was 77.8 %.
Background & Context
The AfD, founded in 2013, positions itself as anti-immigration and pro-Russia. Its support in Saxony-Anhalt more than doubled from 20.8 % in the 2021 state election to the 2026 result, the strongest showing for any far-right party at the state level since World War II. The party has long been excluded from coalition talks by mainstream parties—a practice known as the “political firewall.”
Data & Statistics
- Vote share: 43.8 % (some exit polls reported 44.4 %).
- Seats won: 39 of 83 (majority requires 42).
- CDU: 17.2 % of the vote, 15 seats.
- Die Linke: 9.3 % of the vote, 8 seats.
- Social Democrats: 8.4 % of the vote, 8 seats.
- Greens: 8.7 % of the vote, 8 seats.
Official Statements & Responses
Tech billionaire Elon Musk posted on X “Well done!” in German in response to AfD co-leader Alice Weidel’s announcement.
U.S. President Donald Trump shared a screenshot of the projection on Truth Social without comment.
AfD national co-leader Tino Chrupalla framed the result as a rejection of the “firewall” imposed by mainstream parties.
Criticism & Opposition
French finance minister Roland Lescure called the result a “very, very worrying signal.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was “deeply shocked” by the AfD’s surge and urged “deep reforms.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned celebrations, stating:
> “In Poland, only idiots or traitors can rejoice at the triumph of the AfD in Germany.” — Donald Tusk
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and Dutch leader Geert Wilders congratulated the AfD, highlighting divisions among European right-wing parties.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact vote share: the Guardian cites an exit poll of 44.4 %, while Politico and other outlets report 43.8 %. Seat counts are consistent at 39, but the precise margin needed for a governing coalition remains unclear, as the AfD has ruled out formal coalitions and mainstream parties continue to refuse cooperation. No definitive plan for how the AfD might achieve a governing majority has been disclosed.
