Elections in Saxony-Anhalt: A turning point even without an absolute majority

You've tried everything. They have networked like never before. They have organized countless events. They were loud, colorful and hopeful. The fact that the AfD clearly emerged from this election with the most percentage points, but probably not with an absolute majority, is thanks to the commitment of civil society in Saxony-Anhalt.

On Saturday alone, over 10,000 people came together in Magdeburg, and the entire summer was marked by countless activities by the many committed people in the country. These also include the election campaigners of the democratic parties. They received support from initiatives such as “Tactically Vote”, which strengthened the view of the SPD and the Greens at over 30,000 apartment doors. These initiatives were important because decisions are made in parliament.

An open conversation on the village square is important for life together, no one in East Germany can afford to let AfD voters lose. But if those who spoke nicely there continue to vote for the AfD, parliamentary democracy will continue to be in danger. And let's not kid ourselves: the danger has become even greater with this election. This election is a turning point. And almost 78 percent of those eligible to vote took part. More than ever before.

The taz is an independent, left-wing and opinionated daily newspaper. We have been arguing in our comments, essays and debate texts since the taz was founded in 1979. We often cannot and do not want to agree on an opinion. That's why you'll find some completely opposing positions here - all part of the very broad left-wing spectrum of opinions.

Since the AfD was founded, its curve has only known one direction with few interruptions - upwards. That's why this election concerns everyone. Nobody should believe that they can stop the AfD with the known answers. If everyone continues as before, this trend will simply continue. We obviously don't know what helps against the AfD. It is neither a copying of the AfD's policies nor the umpteenth attempt to explain that the AfD's program is in contradiction to the interests of its voters.

After the elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, there is a threat of an AfD government for the first time. The taz reports what is at stake - and who is now defending democracy. All texts about the series can be found here.

What would be other, new answers to the AfD? Maybe traces are already visible. In Saxony, Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, CDU, now meets regularly with representatives of civil society. Because when the air gets thin, the democratic forces have to stick together. At the same time, we know from the USA that elections cannot be won with the slogan “for democracy” alone.

We need new answers, new alliances and an honest questioning of our own certainties. And above all, the democratic forces in Saxony-Anhalt now need support instead of defiant fantasies of putting the wall back up. A right-wing extremist party has almost won an absolute majority in the middle of Germany. Let's hope they won't rule.

Transparency note: In an earlier version of the text, initial projections put voter turnout at 80 percent.