Germany closely monitors the upcoming state election in Saxony-Anhalt. The Saxony-Anhalt economy is a central campaign topic. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) seeks a significant victory. Current polls indicate the AfD could emerge as a clear winner.
Domestic intelligence classified the state AfD branch as ‘confirmed right-wing extremist.’ Despite this, the party campaigns on claims of the state being ‘left behind.’ In 2021, the AfD secured around 20% of the vote. It then became the largest opposition.
Economic data presents a nuanced picture. Saxony-Anhalt’s unemployment rate exceeds the national average. Median earnings for full-time employees are also lower statewide. Such disparities bolster narratives of economic struggle.
Nearly 800,000 of Saxony-Anhalt’s 2.1 million residents hold social security jobs. The chemical industry forms a traditional backbone, highly productive in areas like Leuna and Bitterfeld-Wolfen. Machinery and plant engineering also contribute significantly to manufacturing.
The Saxony-Anhalt economy registers one of Germany’s lowest economic outputs per capita. It stands at just three-quarters of the national average. Its growth rate also consistently lags behind the national figure. A higher proportion of pensioners contributes to this trend. Many eastern pensioners rely solely on state pensions.
The AfD also highlights immigration, warning of ‘foreign influence.’ However, relatively few non-Germans reside in the state. Foreign nationals constituted about 9% of the population by late 2025. This is roughly half the share in populous North Rhine-Westphalia. The state has also seen positive net migration.
Support for radical parties is increasingly entrenched. Mainstream parties, including the CDU and SPD, are steadily losing ground. The CDU struggles to maintain its broad appeal. The SPD even approaches the 5% threshold in some state parliaments. This shift signals a significant transformation in German politics.
