In Saxony-Anhalt, Germany’s far-right AfD could become the first such party to hold state power since WWII, with polls showing support ahead of September’s elections, according to CBC.ca. The party’s plans include separating refugee classrooms and revising history curricula, sparking fears of democratic erosion.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is on the cusp of a historic breakthrough, with polls indicating a lead in Saxony-Anhalt, a state in eastern Germany. If the party wins the regional election, it would mark the first time a far-right group has held state power since the end of World War II, according to CBC.ca. The AfD’s rise has ignited debates about the future of Germany’s postwar democratic order, as its policies—ranging from stricter immigration controls to revised history education—challenge the nation’s core values.
AfD’s Polling Surge and Policy Goals
The AfD’s momentum is fueled by its strong performance in both regional and national polls. In Saxony-Anhalt, the party leads with support, while nationally it holds support, according to Infratest-Dimap surveys cited by CBC.ca. The party’s platform includes banning immigration from “problematic” non-EU countries, establishing detention centers for deportees, and creating separate classrooms for refugee children. These proposals have drawn sharp criticism from opponents, who warn of a slide toward authoritarianism.
Opposition and Concerns
Critics argue the AfD’s policies threaten Germany’s postwar democratic foundations. Marcus Böick, a historian from the University of Cambridge, warned that once the party gains power, it would be very hard to get rid of them.
Counter-protesters in Magdeburg, where Nigerian immigrant Akinola Sanyaolu lives, waved rainbow flags and sang All You Need Is Love
in response to the AfD’s rise. Sanyaolu, who has faced racism in the city, said, They are not in my shoes. They don’t know what it is to be a foreigner. I know what it is. I’m the one feeling it.
The AfD’s push to revise history curricula to focus on positive aspects
of Germany’s past has also drawn backlash. In Saxony-Anhalt, the party’s manifesto includes banning Pride flags in schools, a move opponents say undermines LGBTQ+ rights. I feel attacked, but what can I do?
Sanyaolu said, reflecting the anxiety of many residents. The party’s emphasis on “remigration”—a term linked to mass deportations—has further fueled fears of a hardening political climate.
Potential Alliances and Political Shifts
Wagenknecht’s party, founded in 2024, blends left-wing welfare policies with anti-immigration stances and a Moscow-friendly foreign policy, echoing some AfD positions. However, the proposed alliance faces significant hurdles. Other major parties have refused to cooperate with the AfD, citing its far-right ideology. The BSW’s plan to govern in shifting alliances
with the AfD remains untested, and it is unclear whether the far-right party’s polling lead will translate into actual power.
Implications for Germany’s Democracy
The AfD’s potential dominance in Saxony-Anhalt raises broader questions about the resilience of Germany’s democracy. Experts warn that the party’s policies could erode civil liberties and deepen societal divisions. Marcus Böick, echoing fears of a slippery slope toward authoritarianism, noted: Once they’re in power, it’s very hard to get rid of them.
For immigrants and minority communities, the AfD’s rise represents a tangible threat. Anki Wolf and Miriam Siemon recently got engaged, but their celebrations have been tainted by fear of rising political extremism. As the September election approaches, the stakes for Germany’s democratic future have never been higher.
