Saxony-Anhalt is heading into a state election that could mark a significant turning point in German regional politics. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has a realistic chance of winning an absolute majority in the state parliament — a result that would allow it to govern entirely alone, without needing coalition partners. For immigrants, expats, and anyone whose daily life is shaped by state-level policy, this election is worth paying close attention to. State governments in Germany have meaningful influence over areas such as integration programs, housing allocation, and the local implementation of federal immigration rules.
The key question going into election day is not just how the AfD performs, but how smaller parties perform. In German state elections, parties that fail to reach the minimum vote threshold are excluded from parliament entirely. If several smaller parties fall short, the share of seats won by the remaining parties — including the AfD — increases, making an absolute majority more achievable for the front-runner.
This dynamic means that the final outcome depends heavily on voter turnout and the fragmentation of the non-AfD vote. A scenario in which the AfD governs alone — without the need to compromise with other parties — would be historically significant. It would be the first time a party classified by domestic intelligence services as a proven extremist organisation in parts of its structure holds outright power in a German state government.
The AfD has consistently campaigned on a platform that includes strict limits on immigration, a rollback of multicultural integration policies, and a harder line on deportations. While many immigration decisions are made at the federal level, state governments shape how those rules are applied locally. This includes decisions about integration course availability, housing support for newcomers, and the administrative culture within local Ausländerbehörde offices.
For expats living in Saxony-Anhalt — whether EU citizens, third-country nationals on work or study visas, or those in the asylum system — a shift in the state government's political direction could affect the day-to-day experience of bureaucratic interactions and access to integration services. It is also likely to influence the broader social climate in the state.
Rights organisations and civil society groups have already expressed concern about the rise of the far right across Germany. In Saxony-Anhalt, those concerns are particularly acute given the electoral arithmetic heading into this vote.
Saxony-Anhalt is not alone. Several eastern German states have seen strong AfD results in recent elections, reflecting a pattern of political realignment in parts of the country. The prospect of an outright AfD majority, however, would go further than anything seen at state level so far and is being watched closely by political observers across Germany and Europe.
Other parties are aware of the risk. How effectively they mobilise their own voters — and whether smaller parties manage to survive the threshold — will determine whether the AfD achieves what it needs for a solo government or is forced into a different outcome.
Residence permits and visas are governed primarily by federal law, so a change in state government does not directly alter your legal status. However, state governments influence how federal rules are implemented locally, including through the Ausländerbehörde and integration services. It is always advisable to consult your Ausländerbehörde or a qualified immigration lawyer if you have concerns specific to your situation.
The AfD campaigns on significantly restricting immigration to Germany and has opposed many existing integration policies. Its exact policy programme as a potential state government would become clearer after any election result. For the latest and most accurate information, consult reputable German news sources or official government communications.
Election outcomes are uncertain, and no result is guaranteed. If the political situation in the state changes after the election, monitoring announcements from your local Ausländerbehörde and integration support organisations is the most practical step. Legal advice from a qualified immigration lawyer can help you understand your specific rights and options.
The Saxony-Anhalt state election is one to watch for anyone with ties to the region. While federal law protects many core immigration rights regardless of who governs a state, the local political environment and the quality of integration support can be shaped by state-level decisions. Stay informed through reliable news sources, and if you have concerns about how a change in government might affect your specific situation, consider speaking with a qualified immigration lawyer or reaching out to a local support organisation.
Source: DW English
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