Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won 43.8% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt state elections, securing 39 of 83 seats—three short of a majority. Final results show AfD could still take power if it gains support from the Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW), a minor populist party. This would mark the first time since 1945 a far-right party governs part of Germany, potentially ending postwar efforts to keep extremists out of government.

BSW has ruled out supporting AfD's Ulrich Siegmund as governor but has not excluded backing the party itself. AfD leader Siegmund previously promised to lead only with an outright majority but now says he will talk with all parties. The BSW, which split from Die Linke and shifted rightward, has shown affinity for Russia and strict migration controls.

German domestic intelligence classifies AfD as "suspected extremist" due to its evolution since 2013, including anti-migration rhetoric and ties to Russia. Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces added pressure after his conservative party's electoral setback in the state.