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Foreign Policy

Germany’s Far-Right Is On the Rise. The Implications Are Global.

Eight decades after the Nazis fell, the AfD is poised to win a leadership role that could forever alter governing in the European country.

AfD Lead Candidate Ulrich Siegmund on the Campaign Trail

Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s top candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, has cited ending migration to Germany and prioritizing “remigration,” or deportation of immigrants, as important issues. (Hendrik Schmidt/dpa/AP)

By Daniella Diaz

August 17, 2026 05:01 a.m.

BERLIN — In a few weeks, Germany’s far-right party — Alternative for Germany, better known as AfD — could become a governing party of a German state for the first time. The stakes go far beyond the one state — and likely beyond Europe.

Germany’s modern political system was designed to prevent far-right rule. But Ulrich Siegmund, AfD’s head candidate, is currently leading in polls to become the head of a state government, Saxony-Anhalt.

The Sept. 6 election has the AfD candidates polling significantly better than in previous elections. Should there be a state-level win in Saxony-Anhalt, the change could build momentum for high AfD turnout across Germany later in September.