Russia, Orban and Musk hail AfD victory in Saxony‑Anhalt

Russia, Hungary’s Viktor Orban and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk welcomed the resounding victory of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, a result that will reshape the balance in the 83‑seat regional parliament.

AfD won 43.8% and is projected to take 39 of 83 seats

AfD secured 43.8% of the vote and is expected to hold 39 seats in the 83-member Saxony-Anhalt parliament; a simple majority requires 42 seats. Ulrich Zigmund, the party’s prominent state leader, described the outcome as sensational and said AfD aims to begin governing as soon as possible. He also publicly thanked Elon Musk for his support.

Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy tied to President Vladimir Putin, hailed the result as a landmark. He said: "The historic victory of the AfD humiliates the arrogance, narrow‑mindedness, warmongering, incompetence and hypocrisy of the discredited German governing coalition. Germans have spoken, Germany has awakened." Dmitriev had previously called the AfD "a party of reason, cooperation, truth and hope for Germany."

Viktor Orban called the outcome a major night for Germany and Europe. "Congratulations to Alice Weidel, Ulrich Zigmund and the whole AfD for their convincing victory in Saxony‑Anhalt. Fasten your seatbelts! This is only the beginning," he wrote.

Elon Musk posted a brief message on X: "Bravo." His short endorsement was singled out by AfD leaders after the count.

Alice Weidel, AfD’s federal co‑leader, framed the result as both a dream and a vindication of voters’ desire for change. She said the electorate had lost faith in Berlin and that "no chancellor has been as unpopular as Friedrich Merz." Weidel called for tougher action on irregular migration, changes to energy policy and tax cuts, and said AfD expects at least 40% in the 2029 federal election.

Smaller populist grouping BSW announced it would not back AfD despite unexpectedly passing the 5% threshold and becoming a potential kingmaker in the regional assembly. Amira Mohamed Ali, BSW co‑leader, said: "After the elections, we will do exactly what we said before the elections." She argued for a new model: a non‑partisan premier who would govern with shifting majorities rather than entrenched bloc politics.

Photo: press material from the event