In roughly one month, the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt will head to the polls to elect a new Landtag (state parliament). Current surveys point to a strong result for the AfD (Alternative für Deutschland), the far-right party whose platform includes significantly tougher immigration enforcement, expanded deportations, and limits on asylum. For the roughly 100,000 foreign nationals living in Saxony-Anhalt — as well as for expats and immigrants across Germany watching the broader political mood — this election carries real significance. A reshuffled state government could change how immigration rules are applied locally, influence the tone of public debate, and send signals to the federal level about voter sentiment on migration.
Recent surveys place the AfD as the leading or joint-leading party in Saxony-Anhalt, building on their already strong performance in the 2021 state election, where they received around 20 percent of the vote. In 2025 polls, some projections put them considerably higher. No other party has indicated willingness to enter a coalition with the AfD, which means the remaining parties — CDU, SPD, Greens, FDP, and potentially the BSW (a newer left-nationalist party) — will need to negotiate a complex multi-party coalition to form a government.
This situation, known informally as a "difficult Regierungsbildung" (government formation), could lead to weeks or even months of coalition talks after election day. During that period, the outgoing government continues in a caretaker role, meaning policy changes are limited until a new coalition agreement is signed.
State governments in Germany have meaningful powers over how federal immigration law is implemented in practice. While core immigration legislation — such as the Aufenthaltsgesetz (Residence Act) and rules around the Aufenthaltstitel — is set at the federal level, state interior ministries and local Ausländerbehörden operate with significant discretion in areas such as:
A state government in which the AfD has greater political influence — even from opposition — can shift public and institutional culture. Parties in coalition may adopt tougher positions on migration to compete with AfD messaging, a pattern seen in other German states after strong AfD results.
It is important to present these positions factually and without editorial opinion. The AfD's 2025 platform calls for:
For holders of a valid Aufenthaltstitel, a Blue Card, or an EU residence permit, these positions do not directly threaten existing legal status — rights granted under EU law and existing German legislation cannot be unilaterally removed by a state government. However, the political climate and administrative culture at the state level can affect how smoothly processes run in practice.
Once results are in, coalition negotiations begin. Observers expect a CDU-led coalition, possibly including the SPD and one or two smaller parties, similar to the current configuration. The BSW, which blends left-wing economic positions with restrictive views on migration, could become a kingmaker — a dynamic already seen in other eastern German state governments formed after 2024 elections.
The final coalition agreement will set out state-level policy priorities for the next five years, including how integration budgets are allocated and what tone the state takes on migration enforcement.
No state election directly changes your existing Aufenthaltstitel or visa status. Residence law is primarily federal. However, how efficiently and helpfully your local Ausländerbehörde processes renewals, extensions, or new applications can be influenced by state-level priorities and budgets over time.
The AfD is currently not expected to be part of the governing coalition, as other parties have ruled out cooperation. Even if they were in government, core immigration and asylum law is set at the federal level by the Bundestag. A state government cannot independently change who gets a visa or who is deported — but it can influence enforcement culture and spending on integration services.
If you hold a valid residence permit and are compliant with its conditions, your legal status is protected by federal and EU law regardless of which party governs the state. That said, it is always wise to keep your documents up to date, respond promptly to any official correspondence, and consult a qualified immigration lawyer (Fachanwalt für Ausländerrecht) if you face any uncertainty about your situation.
German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF provide election night coverage in German. For English-language reporting, outlets such as The Local Germany, DW (Deutsche Welle), and Politico Europe cover major German state elections.
The Saxony-Anhalt Landtag election is worth watching for anyone living in Germany or planning to move here. While it will not directly rewrite your visa or permit conditions, it reflects — and can reinforce — broader trends in German immigration politics. Stay informed, keep your paperwork current, and if you have specific concerns about your status in Saxony-Anhalt, speak to a qualified immigration lawyer or contact your local Ausländerbehörde for clarification.
Source: tagesschau
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