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Saxony-Anhalt Coalition Collapses, Triggering Political Crisis

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ition-collapses-triggering-political-crisis.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 10:28 GMT by KELO

Eastern German State of Saxony-Anhalt Faces Political Crisis as Governing Coalition Collapses

The eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt is facing a significant political crisis after the governing coalition, comprised of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democrats (SPD), and Greens, officially collapsed on January 6th, 2026. This breakdown threatens to trigger a snap election and raises concerns about the potential for gains by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, already a powerful force in the region. The collapse stems from a protracted dispute over the state budget and differing approaches to economic policy, specifically regarding planned cuts and investments.

The Immediate Trigger: Budget Battles and a Departing Minister

The immediate catalyst for the coalition’s disintegration was the resignation of Saxony-Anhalt Finance Minister Michael Kellner (Greens). Kellner tendered his resignation after failing to reach an agreement with CDU and SPD counterparts on the 2026 state budget. He argued the proposed budget lacked sufficient investment in crucial areas like education, climate protection, and social services, ultimately prioritizing austerity measures that would harm the state’s long-term development.

As reported by Kelo.com and further detailed in a Deutsche Welle article linked from the original source, Kellner publicly criticized the CDU, accusing them of prioritizing tax cuts for businesses and wealthy citizens over investments in public services. He specifically highlighted a proposed reduction in funding for schools and universities as a breaking point. This resonated with the Green party base, who viewed the budget as a betrayal of their core principles.

The CDU, led by state premier Reiner Haseloff, countered that the budget was a pragmatic response to a challenging economic climate and necessary to maintain fiscal stability. They argued that tax relief would stimulate economic growth and ultimately benefit all citizens. The SPD, attempting to mediate, found themselves caught in the middle, unable to bridge the widening gap between the two larger parties.

A History of Tension and Underlying Issues

The unraveling of the coalition wasn't a sudden event, but rather the culmination of months of simmering tensions. The CDU, historically dominant in Saxony-Anhalt, has seen its support base gradually erode in recent years, while the AfD has steadily gained ground. This dynamic forced the CDU to rely increasingly on the SPD and Greens to maintain a governing majority.

The Reuters report linked within the Kelo.com article points to a deeper issue: differing visions for Saxony-Anhalt’s future. The Greens and SPD favor a more socially-focused and environmentally progressive agenda, while the CDU leans towards a more conservative, business-friendly approach. These ideological differences were often papered over, but the pressure of crafting a budget – a concrete expression of political priorities – brought them to the surface.

Furthermore, the coalition's fragility was exacerbated by internal disagreements regarding energy policy. Saxony-Anhalt is a major industrial state with a significant reliance on coal. The transition to renewable energy sources is a complex issue that has divided the parties, with the CDU advocating for a more gradual approach to avoid job losses, and the Greens pushing for faster decarbonization.

The Rise of the AfD and the Specter of a Snap Election

The collapse of the coalition comes at a particularly sensitive time, as the AfD is currently leading in opinion polls in Saxony-Anhalt. The party has capitalized on anxieties surrounding immigration, economic inequality, and cultural change, appealing to voters who feel left behind by the established political system.

The AfD's success in the state is particularly notable, as Saxony-Anhalt has historically been a region with high unemployment and a sense of economic stagnation. The party has skillfully tapped into these grievances, promising to protect traditional values and prioritize the needs of “ordinary Germans.”

A snap election, now highly probable, could see the AfD emerge as the strongest force in the state parliament. While forming a government with the AfD is considered highly unlikely by other parties, a strong showing could embolden the far-right movement nationally and further polarize German politics. The CDU, SPD, and Greens have all ruled out cooperating with the AfD, leaving the possibility of a minority government or a prolonged period of political instability.

Possible Scenarios and Future Outlook

Several scenarios are now being considered. A new coalition government, though difficult to achieve, remains a possibility. This would likely require the CDU to forge a new alliance with different parties, or for the SPD and Greens to find common ground with other factions. However, given the depth of the current divisions, this seems increasingly unlikely.

Another option is a minority government led by either the CDU or the SPD, relying on ad-hoc support from other parties to pass legislation. This would be a fragile arrangement, prone to collapse and likely leading to further political gridlock.

Finally, a snap election appears the most probable outcome. This would give voters the opportunity to express their views on the current political situation, but it also carries the risk of further strengthening the AfD and deepening the political crisis in Saxony-Anhalt.

The situation in Saxony-Anhalt is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing German politics, namely the rise of populism, the growing polarization of society, and the difficulty of forging stable coalitions in a fragmented political landscape. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the future direction of this eastern German state and its implications for the country as a whole.