A Political Earthquake Shakes Saxony-Anhalt
The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a groundbreaking victory in the regional elections of Saxony-Anhalt, capturing 43.8% of the vote. This marks the first time since World War II that the AfD has won a majority in any German federal state. Saxony-Anhalt, home to about two million residents, is known as one of Germany’s economically disadvantaged regions with significant development challenges. The AfD includes notable far-right activists, a porn producer, and individuals with criminal records, and has been classified as right-wing extremist by Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.
The party’s platform centers on conservative values and restoring national culture. It harshly criticizes mainstream parties’ climate and immigration policies, calls for immediate deportations of immigrants, proposes cuts to public broadcasting funding, and advocates reshaping cultural programming to encourage "thinking German." The AfD also seeks to establish a commission to investigate the pandemic’s timeline and response. Support for the AfD is strongest among working-class voters facing financial hardships in lower-income areas.
Adam Tuzz observed, “No one who truly understands the party’s agenda votes for the AfD expecting tangible material benefits.”
Economic Struggles Amidst Limited Redistribution Policies
As one of Germany’s poorer states, Saxony-Anhalt faces ongoing economic difficulties. While the AfD supports lowering daycare fees, it generally favors cutting government spending and enforcing a "debt brake." The party’s voters prioritize concerns about security, crime, and immigration attitudes over social welfare redistribution. Wealthier urban districts, such as Halle, tended to back the Green Party.
The AfD calls for the "remigration" of immigrants and wants to revise school curricula to emphasize German cultural heritage. It rejects unequivocal support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, blaming Western powers for escalating tensions. The party also proposes ending aid to Ukraine and reallocating those funds to German citizens.
The Emotional Fuel Behind Anti-Establishment Politics
The AfD’s rise began after the 2015 refugee crisis and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s open-door policy. The party accuses establishment groups of betraying national interests. It positions itself further right than the FDP and CDU on reducing public spending and debt. Its core electorate is predominantly young to middle-aged, while pensioners tend to support the Social Democrats.
Tuzz added, “AfD’s racism differs significantly from what American audiences might expect.”
Against this political backdrop, it is useful to recall the intellectual legacy of British Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm (1917–2012). Hobsbawm authored around 30 books and lived in Vienna, Berlin, and London, including studies at Cambridge’s Royal College. A lifelong member of the British Communist Party, his political identity and migrant experience were deeply intertwined. Though not an economist, his economic thinking was shaped by Marxist scholars.
Hobsbawm’s influential works cover the period from 1789 to 1914, including The Age of Revolution, The Age of Capital, and The Age of Empire. He combined Marxist analysis with cultural, social, and political studies. His book The Age of Extremes examines the 20th century through the lens of violence. According to Tuzz, Hobsbawm was once willing to accept enormous sacrifices—millions of deaths—in pursuit of a better world.
He also theorized about the invention of traditions and the construction of nationalism, arguing that "the faster history moves, the more frequent the invention of traditions and imagined continuities." This insight resonates with current political developments in Germany, where the AfD rejects liberal consensus and seeks to preserve a national future without climate policies. Thus, the recent political shifts in Saxony-Anhalt echo broader historical and societal dynamics that Hobsbawm explored.
The growing influence of far-right and anti-establishment parties in Saxony-Anhalt reflects wider changes in Germany’s political landscape. The AfD’s success highlights the crisis facing traditional parties, which have struggled to address economic challenges and migration issues that resonate deeply with voters. This trend risks further polarizing society and could reshape political alliances in the years ahead.
The recent electoral success of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt has sparked significant discussions about the party's rising influence in German politics. This victory is particularly noteworthy given the socio-economic challenges faced by the region. For a deeper understanding of the implications of this decisive win and how it compares to previous elections, you can read more about the AfD's remarkable performance in the recent polls.