Story perspectives

BSW Abstention Could Hand Saxony-Anhalt Premier to AfD Rival

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

AfD secured 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, missing an absolute majority.
BSW may abstain, enabling Ulrich Siegmund to become state premier.
Finance Minister Katja Wolf said BSW lawmakers left the party before the vote, rejecting right-wing flirtations.
Sahra Wagenknecht stepped down as BSW chairwoman but stays influential at rallies and behind scenes.
BSW’s resurgence will be tested in parliamentary elections on September 20 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.

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Story summary

AfD secured 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, missing an absolute majority.
BSW may abstain, enabling Ulrich Siegmund to become state premier.
Finance Minister Katja Wolf said BSW lawmakers left the party before the vote, rejecting right-wing flirtations.
Sahra Wagenknecht stepped down as BSW chairwoman but stays influential at rallies and behind scenes.
BSW’s resurgence will be tested in parliamentary elections on September 20 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.