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AfD Leads in Eastern Germany Ahead of Elections Despite Economic Concerns

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading polls in two eastern states ahead of September elections, despite economists warning that some of the party’s policies could hurt the regions’ already fragile economies. The AfD is polling at around 41% in Saxony-Anhalt and 36% in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where shrinking populations, labour shortages and lower incomes remain major challenges.

Experts say economic frustration and a lingering sense of being left behind since German reunification are important drivers of AfD support in the east. Both states have lost large numbers of young people, while ageing populations have contributed to severe skilled-worker shortages. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s GDP per capita is around 76% of Germany’s national average, while Saxony-Anhalt has the country’s highest proportion of pension-age residents.

Economists argue that AfD proposals, including reducing immigration, cutting state spending and potentially leaving the euro and European Union, could further weaken the region. A DIW Berlin study estimates Saxony-Anhalt could lose around €1,600 in annual income per person and 10,000 jobs under such policies. At the same time, local initiatives such as internationalising university programmes and attracting young talent are showing alternative ways for eastern Germany to address its labour and economic challenges.

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German Schools Become Election Battleground as AfD Pushes Education Agenda

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Schools in Germany’s eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt have become a major political flashpoint ahead of the September 6 regional election, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading opinion polls. The debate intensified after teacher Max Heckel received a formal warning for telling a student he had not voted for the AfD, citing its classification as extremist by security authorities. Heckel says the incident has led to online abuse, threats, and vandalism, while raising concerns about freedom of discussion in classrooms.

The AfD argues that teachers must remain politically neutral and has pledged sweeping education reforms if it wins power in the state. Party leaders say schools should focus on traditional values, German history, and academic standards while removing what they describe as political influence and ideological teaching. The party also proposes reducing social support and integration programmes in schools as part of a broader overhaul of the education system.

Mainstream political parties and critics warn that the AfD’s plans could weaken democratic safeguards that have shaped Germany’s education system since World War II. They argue that limiting classroom discussions about extremism and the country’s history could undermine students’ understanding of democratic values. With the AfD polling close to 40% in Saxony-Anhalt, the election is expected to be a significant test of the party’s growing political influence in Germany.

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AfD Gains Ground in Eastern Germany as Merz Faces Growing Pressure

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Germany’s far-right party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), is gaining strong support in eastern Germany as Chancellor Friedrich Merz struggles with falling approval ratings and economic concerns. In Saxony-Anhalt, AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund believes the party could secure its first state premiership in the September elections. The AfD has been attracting voters through local “citizen dialogues,” with many supporters expressing frustration over rising living costs, immigration, and dissatisfaction with the current government.

Despite economic investments and development projects in towns like Halberstadt, concerns over inflation, energy prices, and Germany’s slowing economy continue to fuel public anxiety. Recent polls show the AfD reaching up to 41% support in Saxony-Anhalt and 29% nationally, ahead of Merz’s conservatives. The party argues that Germany’s identity is under threat from mass immigration and progressive social policies, while mainstream parties continue to reject any cooperation with the AfD under the country’s political “firewall” strategy.

The possibility of an AfD-led state government has sparked concern among officials and political rivals, especially given the party’s classification as “far-right extremist” by regional security authorities. Critics warn that handing the AfD control of state institutions could have major consequences for German politics. However, many voters at recent rallies said they are willing to give the party a chance, believing traditional parties have failed to address economic struggles and public concerns.

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