Germany's far-right AfD says 'democracy demands' parties work with them after state election win
Monday, 7 September 2026
Warm-up
- When should parties cooperate with rivals they strongly oppose?
- What makes an election result a turning point in a country?
- How do minority governments work where you live?
Vocabulary
- preliminary
- Happening before results are final and still open to change.
- mandate
- Authority to govern that voters are seen to give in an election.
- extremist
- Holding very radical political views outside the mainstream.
- deport
- To send someone out of a country by official order.
- minority
- Describing a government with fewer than half the seats.
- coalition
- A government formed by two or more parties working together.
- tacit
- Understood or given without being said openly.
- watershed
- An event that marks an important change in a situation.
Reading
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt and is seeking to govern. Preliminary results give it 43.8% of the vote and 39 of 83 seats, three short of an outright majority of 42. AfD figures, including Beatrix von Storch, argue that other parties should talk to them, calling the result a clear mandate. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the outcome was seismic and that his CDU slumped to 17.2% in the state.
AfD leader in the state, Ulrich Siegmund, says the party is exploring options: a minority administration with tacit backing from others, talks with individuals in rival parties, or—if there is deadlock—another election. A CDU-led minority coalition is viewed as unlikely.
Domestic intelligence has assessed the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt as right-wing extremist, a label Siegmund rejects. The party's plans include segregated classes for child refugees and a task-force to help detain and deport migrants without the right to stay. Commentators called the win a watershed, noting AfD leads national polls and earlier topped the 2024 vote in Thuringia without securing power.
Comprehension
- How many seats did the AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt?
- What total is needed for an outright majority in the state parliament?
- Which party's share fell to 17.2% in the preliminary results?
- What kind of government is the AfD considering if it lacks a majority?
- Which controversial policy area is highlighted among the AfD's plans?
Grammar focus
Ellipsis and substitution
Ellipsis and substitution let us avoid repeating information: we use short words or phrases (do so, did so, ones, them) to replace a verb phrase or noun. Use the correct word order and form for the remaining clause. (Examples constructed.)
- The AfD won in the region, and rivals **did so**.
- Supporters urged talks, and some officials **did the same**.
Grammar exercise
Circle the correct option in each sentence.
- The AfD won many seats, and rivals (did so / so did).
- Polls showed a lead, and some papers (did so / so did).
- They proposed a task force, but towns refused (to accept it / it to accept).
- Plans suggested segregated classes, but towns rejected (ones / them).
- If there is deadlock, the party could call (another election / an election another).
Discussion
- Should parties ever give tacit support to a rival minority government?
- Is calling this result a mandate convincing without a majority?
- How should an extremist label from intelligence affect cooperation?
- Would another election ease or deepen the political deadlock?
Vocabulary, reading, and exercises with instant feedback