AfD’s Tobias Rausch becomes first far-right speaker of a German state parliament since 1945

Key points

• Tobias Rausch, 35, was elected president of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament with 48 votes, 29 against, and 5 abstentions, requiring 42 for an absolute majority.
• The AfD won 39 of 83 seats in the September 2026 state election, capturing 44% of the vote but falling three seats short of an absolute majority.
• The far-left Alliance Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) provided crucial support for Rausch, citing the convention that the largest faction should lead the parliament, but has stated it will not support AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund for minister president in December.
• Four unidentified lawmakers from mainstream parties (CDU, SPD, Greens, or Die Linke) also voted for Rausch, breaking the traditional 'firewall' against the AfD, which is classified as a confirmed extremist by domestic intelligence.
• Rausch pledged to serve the entire state and protect minority rights but declared that 'the era of political firewalls should be a thing of the past.'
• The AfD has attempted to increase its control over the parliament by adding a vice-presidential seat and expanding committee sizes, though some moves were backed down after threats of lawsuits.

Background

The AfD’s September 2026 victory in Saxony-Anhalt was a historic milestone, as the party had not governed a German state since World War II. Chancellor Friedrich Merz had denounced the AfD as a 'destructive force' following the election, maintaining a 'firewall' policy against cooperation with the far-right. The AfD’s campaign focused on anti-immigration, anti-establishment, and pro-fossil fuel platforms, with promises to segregate schools and replace rainbow flags with German flags. The party’s success in Saxony-Anhalt, a state with about 2.1 million people, has raised concerns about its potential to gain real power over education, policing, and migration policy at the state level.

How outlets are covering it

Politico and The New York Times emphasized the historic nature of the AfD’s breakthrough, highlighting the first far-right leadership of a German state parliament since 1945. The Financial Times focused on the mystery of the four unidentified votes from mainstream parties, which raised concerns about the integrity of the 'firewall' policy. AP News highlighted the fears among migrants in eastern Germany following the AfD’s regional success. All outlets agreed on the significance of the event but differed in their emphasis: Politico and NYT focused on the symbolic and historical implications, while the FT focused on the political implications of the 'firewall' being breached. The BSW’s support for Rausch was a point of contention, with some outlets noting the contradiction of far-left support for a far-right candidate.

Why it matters

The election of Tobias Rausch as the first far-right speaker of a German state parliament since 1945 is a significant shift in German politics, challenging the post-war consensus and the 'firewall' policy that has isolated the AfD. The result could pave the way for the AfD to gain real power in Saxony-Anhalt, with potential implications for education, policing, and migration policy. The involvement of mainstream party lawmakers in supporting Rausch raises questions about the future of the 'firewall' and the potential for broader political realignment in Germany. The December vote for minister president will be a critical test of the AfD’s ability to govern, and the outcome could have national implications for the 2029 federal elections.

What to watch

The next major test for the AfD is in December 2026, when Ulrich Siegmund will seek to become minister president of Saxony-Anhalt. The BSW has stated it will not support Siegmund, and it is unclear if the AfD can secure the necessary votes from other parties. The AfD’s ability to govern will depend on its capacity to form coalitions or secure support from other parties, despite the traditional 'firewall' policy. The outcome of the December vote will have significant implications for the AfD’s national ambitions and the future of German politics.