German Far-Right AfD Wins Landslide With 44%... Trump Backs Victory on Social Media

Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament Votes Counted

Economic Discontent and Anti-Immigration Sentiment Reflected

Victory Led by 35-Year-Old Far-Right Candidate

The German far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), scored a landslide victory in the state parliament election in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, garnering more than 44% of the vote. Attention is now focused on whether this could mark the first case of a far-right party seizing control of local government in Germany since World War II. U.S. President Donald Trump directly shared the election results on his social networking service (SNS), lending his support to AfD's strong showing.

Supporters of the German far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) cheer after the state parliament election voting ended on September 6, 2026, in Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

According to the Washington Post, Financial Times and others on September 6, 2026 (local time), with 99% of ballots counted, AfD had secured 44.1% of the vote. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, trailed significantly at 17.1%. AfD is expected to win 39 out of 83 seats, falling short of an absolute majority of 42 seats. However, depending on the formation of the parliament, the party still has a chance of leading the state government.

If AfD takes control of the state government, it would be the first instance of a far-right party securing local government power in Germany since World War II. Mainstream German parties have thus far blocked far-right forces from seizing power by consistently refusing to form coalitions with AfD, a stance known as the "Firewall" principle.

International media have reported that this victory is seen as a turning point for AfD, which was founded in 2013, as it expands from its stronghold in the former East Germany into a national party. AfD has advocated for strong immigration restrictions, improved relations with Russia, and reduced support for Ukraine.

Ulrich Siegmund, 35, campaigning on the 6th, is regarded as the key figure in this victory. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Thirty-five-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, regarded as the key figure behind the election, actively utilized social networking services and deployed a "MAGA-style" (Make America Great Again) campaign strategy similar to that of President Trump. He bypassed traditional media through platforms like TikTok and Instagram, building a friendly image, while also attacking publicly funded broadcasters critical of him as "biased." Candidate Siegmund declared, "We made history," and called this victory a stepping stone toward seizing power in the 2029 federal election.

President Trump also shared the election results via Truth Social on the same day. Previously, he had welcomed the prospect, calling the election "a great day for Germany and America." U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance voiced support for AfD in a keynote speech at the Munich Security Conference one week before the election. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, expressed his support for AfD through a video address, and AfD co-leader Alice Weidel echoed the MAGA slogan by proclaiming, "Make Germany Great Again."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.