With the state election in Saxony-Anhalt just a week and a half away, the AfD may increase its voter favorability according to data from the Infratest institute. The survey suggests that if the vote were held this coming Sunday, the AfD would secure 42 percent of the ARD audience, which is a one-point rise from July.
Meanwhile, the CDU is losing ground, falling two percentage points to 22 percent. The Linke is projected at 11 percent (-2), the SPD is up one point to 8 percent, and the Greens are also up one point to 6 percent. Both the FDP (3 percent) and the BSW (four percent) saw no change compared to the previous Infratest survey.
When voters were asked who they would elect as the state president, 41 percent (+5 compared to May 2026) would support Sven Schulze, the current CDU Minister-President. For AfD politician Ulrich Siegmund, 39 percent would vote for him, an increase of seven percentage points. Twenty percent of respondents were undecided or declined to answer.
Polling revealed mixed opinions on the political performance of the candidates. 37 percent of respondents were satisfied with the political work of AfD’s Ulrich Siegmund (+2 compared to July), while 35 percent were less satisfied or entirely dissatisfied. Twenty-eight percent were unaware of him or provided no judgment. For CDU’s Sven Schulze, only 30 percent were very satisfied or satisfied (+1), while 46 percent were less satisfied or dissatisfied. Twenty-four percent were unaware of him or unable to assess him.
Voters were equally divided regarding the period following the election. Forty-two percent favor a state government led by the AfD, while 41 percent prefer a CDU-led government. Seventeen percent were unable or unwilling to make a decision.
All other parties have previously ruled out coalitions with the AfD. In the event of a CDU-led state government, the party would need support from groups it has previously declined to work with. Regarding a CDU government supported by the Linke, a slight third (32 percent) found it very good or good, while a majority (59 percent) saw it as less good or bad. Nine percent were undecided.
Support for a CDU-led state government backed by the Linke varies significantly among different demographic groups. Voters who support the Greens generally provide strong approval (90 percent felt it was good or very good; only 8 percent found it less good or bad). Similarly, voters of the Linke (83 percent good or very good) and the SPD (71 percent good or very good) show high levels of approval. Union supporters were more divided, with 47 percent for and 47 percent against such an alliance. Moreover, AfD supporters predominantly oppose such an option (only 2 percent supported it; 93 percent opposed it).
In total, Infratest surveyed 1,511 eligible voters in Saxony-Anhalt over Monday and Tuesday of this week.
