Story perspectives

AfD wins two German state elections, ahead nationally

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 4:25 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Merz warns Russian attack

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in early September 2026.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed the AfD is backed by Russia and warned that ending German aid to Ukraine could invite a Russian attack on Europe.
The AfD received 43.8% of votes in Saxony-Anhalt and 38.2% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
October 2026 polls showed the AfD at roughly 27% nationally, ahead of the CDU.

Left

Legal Fight Ahead

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in September 2026.
Human-rights advocates warn the victories could tighten asylum restrictions and endanger refugees’ rights.
PRO ASYL spokesperson Wiebke Judith said the group will pursue litigation in German courts to defend fundamental rights.
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner told Reuters EU must regain control over migration flows, citing the Pact for Migration and Asylum.

History

Historical Context

In the 2017 German federal election, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) captured 12.6% of the vote, entering the Bundestag for the first time. The surge, fueled by anti-immigration rhetoric, followed Chancellor Angela Merkel’s 2015 decision to admit over one million Syrian refugees, igniting nationwide debates. Today's September 2026 state victories in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania echo that breakthrough, with the AfD securing 43.8% and 38.2% locally, endangering Germany’s centrist coalition. If the pattern persists, the European Union may tighten migration policies, and Germany’s courts could confront challenges to constitutional asylum protections.

1 of 3

Merz warns Russian attack

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania in early September 2026.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed the AfD is backed by Russia and warned that ending German aid to Ukraine could invite a Russian attack on Europe.
The AfD received 43.8% of votes in Saxony-Anhalt and 38.2% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
October 2026 polls showed the AfD at roughly 27% nationally, ahead of the CDU.

1 / 3