AfD's Absolute Majority Threat in Saxony-Anhalt: Political Scientist Petra Dobner Discusses Feasibility

As the September 6 state election in Saxony-Anhalt approaches, political scientist Petra Dobner warns of the possibility of an absolute majority for the far-right AfD party in the Magdeburg state parliament. In an interview with Thomas Gesterkamp for the German newspaper der Freitag, Dobner expresses concern about this scenario but also offers a calming perspective: much of the AfD's program would be difficult to implement even if the party led a state government with sufficient funds. Dobner, a professor at the University of Halle, argues that the AfD's economic promises are unrealistic and that many of its proposals would face constitutional and practical obstacles. The interview, published ahead of the election, highlights the growing anxiety among political observers about the AfD's potential to gain significant power in the eastern German state. Dobner emphasizes that while the party's program is not harmless, its implementation is another matter. The election is seen as a critical test for the stability of the state government and the broader political landscape in Germany.