Full Breakdown
Germany’s Chancellor Warns Extremism Is Entering State Parliaments After AfD Victory and Left-Party Surge
By Drooid · · How we work
AfD Gains Presidency of Saxony-Anhalt Parliament
On October 7, Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that “extremism” was moving into Germany’s legislatures after Tobias Rausch of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was elected president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament. Rausch secured 48 votes in a secret ballot, exceeding expectations and suggesting support from lawmakers outside the AfD. The AfD emerged as the largest party in the September 6 state election, winning 39 of 83 seats—three seats short of an absolute majority—but still outpacing every other party. The vote raised questions about whether members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) or other parties had backed the AfD candidate, though the secret ballot prevents confirmation.
Left Party Wins Berlin State Election
Earlier, the far-left Left Party achieved a decisive victory in the Berlin state election held on September 20. Lead candidate Elif Eralp, a 45-year-old of Turkish descent, campaigned on housing affordability and pledged to nationalise private housing associations, citing a 2021 referendum in which 58 percent of voters supported such a move. The result roughly doubled the Left Party’s previous vote share and positions Eralp to become Berlin’s first mayor from the party, which traces its roots to the former East German communist party.
Background: Rise of Extremist Parties in Germany
Since its 2013 founding, the AfD has shifted from Euroscepticism to a hard-line anti-immigration stance, capitalising on the influx of roughly one million asylum seekers in 2015, many from Syria. Its growth has been most pronounced in eastern states, where disillusionment with mainstream parties is high. Simultaneously, the Left Party has benefited from a broader turn away from centrist parties, attracting voters concerned about housing costs and social inequality.
Data & Statistics
- AfD seats in Saxony-Anhalt: 39 of 83 (September 6 election).
- Votes for Rausch: 48 (secret ballot).
- Left Party’s Berlin vote share: roughly double its previous result (September 20 election).
- Housing-association nationalisation referendum (2021): 58 percent support.
- Chancellor Merz approval: 1 in 10 respondents satisfied or very satisfied (ARD survey, early October).
Official Statements & Responses
Merz framed the developments as a threat to democratic cohesion. He cautioned against drawing conclusions from the secret ballot, warning of possible “false flag operations.” Merz also highlighted the need for all parties to reject collaboration with extremist forces to preserve democratic integrity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Source of cross-party votes: While Rausch’s 48-vote tally implies backing from non-AfD legislators, the secret ballot prevents identification of which parties supplied the additional votes.
- Speculation about CDU involvement: Some reports suggest CDU members may have voted for Rausch, but no evidence has been presented.
- Future executive leadership: The upcoming vote in December to select Saxony-Anhalt’s minister-president (the state’s equivalent of a governor) remains uncertain, with AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund’s prospects unclear.
What’s Next
- Saxony-Anhalt minister-president election: Expected in December, will determine whether the AfD can translate its parliamentary presidency into executive power.
- North Rhine-Westphalia state election: Scheduled for April, will test the CDU’s standing ahead of the next federal election cycle.
- Berlin governance: Should Eralp assume the mayoralty, the city will begin implementing the planned nationalisation of housing associations, pending legislative approval.