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Ulrich Siegmund leads the AfD in a potentially historic Saxony-Anhalt state election

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is poised to secure a significant victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. Led by candidate Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD is polling at approximately 41% to 43%, placing it in a position to potentially form a single-party government for the first time in postwar Germany. This would break the 'Brandmauer,' or firewall, as other mainstream parties have historically refused to form coalitions with the AfD, which the domestic intelligence agency classifies as a right-wing extremist organization. State Premier Sven Schulze, representing the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is seeking to prevent an AfD majority. Schulze hopes to maintain power by forming a multiparty coalition if the AfD remains below 50%. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also monitoring the results closely, as the election serves as a test of his pledge to reduce AfD support. If Ulrich Siegmund wins, he has promised to implement a 'remigration' offensive, ban rainbow flags in schools, and halt new wind farm construction. The election is notable for its high voter turnout, which has significantly increased since the 2021 vote.

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