Saxony-Anhalt, the Vote That Could Reshape Germany’s Political Balance
Saxony-Anhalt, the Vote That Could Reshape Germany’s Political Balance By Paolo Falconio The polls in Saxony-Anhalt have become the focus of attention far beyond the borders of this eastern German state. The regional election taking place today, Sunday, September 6, is not merely about the composition of the next Landtag. It is also a major test for Friedrich Merz’s government and, more broadly, for the resilience of Germany’s political system in the face of the rise of Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The first significant indicator is voter turnout. By 2 p.m., 54.4% of eligible voters had already cast their ballots, compared with just 27.1% at the same time during the 2021 regional election. The near doubling of participation highlights the extent to which this election is being perceived as politically consequential. Yet it is the prospect of a strong AfD performance that makes the Saxony-Anhalt vote potentially historic. Polls conducted before the election put the party, led...