AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt election, falls short of majority

September 7, 2026 at 03:20 PM2 min

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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, securing 39 seats in the Magdeburg state parliament, just short of the 42 needed for a majority. The result drew mixed reactions worldwide, with far-right parties welcoming the news and some governments raising warnings.

Key Facts

AfD secured 39 seats in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament, three short of the 42 needed for a majority.
France's European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad called the result 'a very grave moment for Europe'.
Spain's Vox leader Santiago Abascal congratulated AfD co-leader Alice Weidel and lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund on X.
Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said the narrow miss of an absolute majority was 'a very worrying sign'.

Election Result

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the regional election in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, according to preliminary results. AfD is set to secure 39 seats at the state parliament in Magdeburg, just short of the 42 seats needed for a majority.

International Reactions

France's European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad said the results mark 'a very grave moment for Europe' and that 'nationalism and xenophobia will never be the answer'. French minister Lescure told RTL radio that the AfD victory sends a 'very, very worrying signal' to Europe. Spain's Vox leader Santiago Abascal congratulated Alice Weidel and Ulrich Siegmund on X, calling the result 'spectacular' and 'great hope for Germany and Europe'. Portugal's Chega leader Andr Ventura described the result as an 'historic victory' on X. Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski told Radio Vox FM that the party was 'just a few votes short of an absolute majority' and called it 'a very worrying sign'.

Support from Right-Wing Figures

Businessman Elon Musk welcomed the results on X with 'Gut gemacht!' meaning 'well done' in German. AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund thanked Musk on X for his 'support' and 'clear and highly important perspective'. Former Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban called the win 'a huge night for Germany and Europe' and said 'this is just the beginning'. Former US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell described the victory as 'a huge win and a new day for Germany'.