Infratest dimap

Polling Momentum in Saxony-Anhalt

The latest polling data indicates a significant shift in the political landscape of Saxony-Anhalt. The Infratest dimap survey, released on May 7, 2026, shows the AfD’s support rising to 41%, a 2-point increase from the previous measurement. This growth positions the party as the dominant political force in the state, significantly outperforming the conservative leadership of Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

This surge is particularly notable as the party approaches the September state elections. If current trends continue, the AfD is positioned to secure its first absolute majority in a state parliament in its 13-year history. The party’s ability to consolidate support in this eastern region has become a central focus for observers monitoring the stability of Germany’s regional political structures.

Policy Shifts and the Migration Manifesto

The party’s rising numbers coincide with the adoption of a more radical platform. During a party congress in Magdeburg held around April 11, 2026, delegates approved a 150-page manifesto that outlines a significant reorganization of state priorities. The document proposes a complete 180-degree turn regarding migration, education, welfare, and energy policies.

A central and controversial pillar of this manifesto is the concept of remigration. While the party presents this as a policy solution, the term has been noted by observers for its Nazi connotations. The proposed measures would specifically target various groups, including Ukrainian refugees who have sought asylum in Germany. Ulrich Siegmund, the party’s lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, has been a prominent voice in promoting these objectives.

We say yes to consistent deportations.

Ulrich Siegmund, AfD lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt

The congress, which saw approximately 250 delegates participate, underscored the party’s shift toward more assertive and polarizing rhetoric. The manifesto’s focus on migration and energy serves as a primary driver for the party’s current mobilization efforts.

The Evolution of a Far-Right Identity

The current political standing of the AfD represents a departure from its original mission. Founded on February 6, 2013, by Alexander Gauland, Bernd Lucke, and Konrad Adam, the party emerged as a moderately Eurosceptic movement designed to oppose the eurozone’s economic policies. In its early years, the party was not classified as a radical right-wing organization.

A fundamental shift occurred in 2015 when a change in party leadership moved the organization toward the populist radical right. This transition has led to increased scrutiny from state institutions. As of 2025, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has officially identified the AfD as an extreme right political party.

The party’s current ideological framework is defined by national conservatism, Euroscepticism, and völkisch nationalism. This identity is reflected in its political affiliations, including its membership in the Europe of Sovereign Nations Party. As of October 2025, the party reported a membership of 70,000 individuals, and it currently holds 151 of the 630 seats in the Bundestag.

Regional Power and Federal Constraints

While the AfD’s potential victory in Saxony-Anhalt would mark a historic milestone, the party faces significant institutional hurdles. The manifesto’s most radical proposals, particularly those concerning migration and energy, fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government in Berlin rather than state-level administrations.

Even if the AfD achieves an absolute majority in the September elections, the implementation of its core platform remains dependent on federal legislative processes. This distinction creates a complex dynamic where a state-level victory may not immediately translate into the sweeping policy changes the party promises its voters.

The political context in which the AfD is rising is also shaped by recent national developments. Following the national elections held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, Friedrich Merz has assumed the role of Chancellor after a victory described by some analysts as lackluster. The tension between the rising strength of the AfD in the east and the new federal leadership in Berlin will likely define the upcoming political season.</p