Merkel urges voters to defend democracy as AfD leads in Saxony Anhalt

Merkel’s public appeal to voters

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel travelled to several towns in Saxony Anhalt last week, addressing crowds that gathered at community halls and town squares. In each speech she emphasized the need for citizens to protect the democratic system that has guided Germany since the end of the Cold War.

"We must all stand up for the values that make our society free and fair," Merkel told the audience, adding that complacency would give extremist forces a chance to grow.

Context of the Saxony Anhalt election

The state election, scheduled for early October, will determine the composition of the regional parliament for the next five years. Voter turnout in previous state elections has hovered around 60 percent, but political analysts warn that the current climate could depress participation.

The rise of the AfD in eastern Germany

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has emerged as the leading party in recent opinion polls for Saxony Anhalt. The party, which entered the Bundestag in 2017, has steadily increased its share of the vote in eastern states, capitalising on concerns about immigration, energy costs and perceived cultural change.

Poll numbers and historical comparison

Current surveys from the German Federal Statistical Office show the AfD at 34 percent, ahead of the centre‑left coalition parties that sit at roughly 28 percent combined. In the 2016 state election the party was a distant third with 15 percent, highlighting a rapid shift in voter sentiment.

Merkel’s message on democratic values

Merkel’s speeches focused on three core ideas:

• Respect for the rule of law and independent institutions.
• Protection of minority rights and freedom of the press.
• Active participation in elections as a civic duty.

Key quotes and themes

She repeatedly used the phrase “stand up for democracy”, urging citizens to treat voting not as a routine task but as a decisive act that shapes the future. Merkel also warned that “extremist rhetoric thrives where democratic engagement is low”.

Economic backdrop: record sick pay payouts

While the political battle intensifies, German firms reported a historic level of sick pay disbursements in the previous year. According to data released by the German Federal Statistical Office, employers paid out more than €28 billion to workers on medical leave, surpassing the previous record by over 10 percent.

Data from the Federal Statistical Office

The increase reflects several factors:

1. Higher incidence of long‑term illnesses linked to an aging workforce.
2. Expanded coverage under recent health insurance reforms.
3. Greater awareness among employees about their entitlement to paid leave.

Economists note that the surge in sick pay could exert pressure on small and medium‑sized enterprises, potentially influencing voter concerns about economic stability.

Implications for Germany’s political landscape

If the AfD secures a plurality, it could force the centre‑right and centre‑left parties to negotiate coalition terms that may shift policy priorities. Some observers fear that a coalition that includes the AfD could erode Germany’s commitment to European integration and climate targets.

Potential coalition scenarios

Analysts outline three plausible outcomes:

• A traditional coalition of the Social Democratic Party, the Greens and the Free Democratic Party, which would keep the AfD in opposition.
• A grand coalition between the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party, marginalising the AfD but requiring policy compromises.
• A minority government that relies on ad‑hoc support, leaving the AfD in a position to influence legislation without formal participation.

International reactions and democratic norms

European leaders have expressed concern over the AfD’s momentum. A statement from the European Commission on democracy highlighted the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions across member states.

The DW report notes that similar patterns have emerged in other EU countries, where populist parties gain ground amid economic uncertainty.

Merkel’s call therefore resonates beyond Germany’s borders, reminding voters that democratic participation is a shared responsibility.

As the Saxony Anhalt election approaches, the interplay between political sentiment, economic pressures and the appeal of democratic values will shape the next chapter of German politics. Voters now face a clear choice: endorse parties that promise continuity and inclusion, or support a movement that challenges the post‑war consensus.