AfD and BSW pass Saxony-Anhalt motion calling for an end to German aid to Ukraine

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) joined forces in Saxony-Anhalt’s state parliament on Wednesday, 14 October, to pass a motion calling for an immediate end to German financial and military aid to Ukraine. The vote signals cooperation between the parties as talks continue over the state’s next government, but it cannot itself change Berlin’s foreign policy.

The motion also urged Saxony-Anhalt’s premier to advocate peace negotiations with Russia in the Bundesrat, Germany’s chamber representing the states. Deutsche Welle reported that the motion passed during a special parliamentary session. Reuters described it as a call to end Berlin’s military support for Ukraine. The reports did not provide the motion’s full text or a precise vote count.

What the Saxony-Anhalt vote can change

The motion has no direct practical effect on Germany’s support for Ukraine. State parliaments do not set foreign policy, both Deutsche Welle and Reuters reported. Its immediate significance is therefore political: AfD and BSW legislators voted together on an issue on which both parties have criticized the German government’s approach to Kyiv. Their agreement on this motion does not establish that they have agreed to govern together.

Deutsche Welle reported that the motion passed with AfD and BSW votes and that every other party criticized it. Christian Democratic Union lawmaker Stefan Ruland challenged its framing, saying that a demand for a ceasefire directed only at the side under attack amounted to capitulation rather than peace. The disagreement reflects the divide over what the parties’ call for negotiations would mean for Ukraine.

Why AfD and BSW cooperation matters for the state government

The vote comes during negotiations to form a government in Saxony-Anhalt after the AfD won just under 44% in September’s state election but fell short of an absolute majority, according to Deutsche Welle. That result makes other parties’ willingness to work with the AfD consequential for who can govern. Reuters reported that AfD state leader Ulrich Siegmund intends to seek parliamentary confirmation as premier by the end of the year, while most other parties have ruled out a coalition with the AfD under their policy of keeping it out of government.

Deutsche Welle reported that BSW narrowly won seats in the state parliament and is the only party willing to hold formal government-formation talks with the AfD. The parties’ joint motion is one visible instance of cooperation during that process. Representatives also met for a dinner in early October to explore closer cooperation, with participants describing the atmosphere as cordial, Deutsche Welle reported.

A joint vote and talks do not settle the question of a coalition. Reuters reported that BSW does not want to enter a formal coalition with the AfD. Party founder Sahra Wagenknecht instead described a preference for working through shifting parliamentary majorities, according to Reuters. That distinction matters in Saxony-Anhalt: the parties can support the same motion without making a shared commitment to run the state government.

Reuters reported that the parties share calls to restore ties with Moscow and restrict immigration, as well as criticism of German support for Kyiv. Political scientist Armin Pfahl-Traughber told Deutsche Welle that they also share opposition to the political establishment and what he characterized as a pro-Putin stance. He did not describe their cooperation as a cross-front alliance. For now, the motion establishes a common parliamentary position on Ukraine aid; the government-formation talks will show whether their cooperation extends further.