A Small Party May Empower The Far Right

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 11, 2026

The Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) won five seats in Saxony-Anhalt's state election, positioning itself as a potential kingmaker that could enable the far-right AfD to form a government for the first time since 1945. This alliance challenges Germany’s longstanding political norm of excluding extremist parties from power, signaling a possible realignment in both state and national politics.

In the recent state election in Saxony-Anhalt, eastern Germany, a small anti-establishment party has gained an unexpectedly pivotal role that could enable Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to take power for the first time since 1945. Although the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) secured just five seats out of 83 and polls at less than 5 percent nationally without any seats in the federal parliament, its lawmakers hold the balance of power in the state legislature.

The AfD emerged as the frontrunner in Sunday’s election, winning 39 seats—three short of the majority needed to govern alone. The BSW is the only party in Saxony-Anhalt to not dismiss the idea of cooperating with an AfD-led government. As a result, the BSW’s support could help the AfD form a government, marking a significant departure from the postwar political norm in Germany, where parties considered extremist have been excluded from power.

The BSW was founded in early 2024 by Sahra Wagenknecht, a former academic and prominent figure who previously led the leftist Die Linke parliamentary group before departing the party in 2023. Wagenknecht split from Die Linke over ideological differences and embraced more conservative stances on social issues, including immigration. Despite her early leadership, Wagenknecht resigned as BSW leader in 2025, though the party continues to carry her name.

The alliance combines left-wing economic positions with social conservatism. It advocates for protecting the welfare state, restricting immigration, and is critical of NATO and Germany’s involvement in supporting Ukraine. BSW members also express skepticism toward social justice movements, arguing that these no longer represent working-class interests and hinder free expression.

Initially positioned as a more moderate alternative to the AfD—whose leaders have controversially downplayed the Holocaust and echoed Nazi rhetoric—the BSW has since indicated openness to collaboration with the far right in Saxony-Anhalt. BSW state lawmakers have not ruled out voting to give the AfD power, although they have stated they do not seek ministerial positions in any AfD-led government. Areas of potential cooperation include migration policy, lifting sanctions on Russia, and investigating government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Negotiations between the BSW and AfD are reportedly taking place via correspondence, but no formal talks had occurred as of early September. BSW leaders have indicated that a decision is unlikely until after another round of state elections scheduled for September 20, citing strategic considerations related to the broader political landscape. The BSW has also expressed reservations about supporting Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD candidate for governor, preferring instead a government headed by a technocrat.

This development represents a significant shift in German politics, breaking with decades of consensus among mainstream parties to exclude far-right actors from governance, and raises questions about the future dynamics in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.