AfD politician Tobias Rausch elected Saxony-Anhalt state parliament president
Tobias Rausch of the AfD won the presidency of Saxony-Anhalt's state parliament with 48 votes, receiving support from members of other parties.
Key facts
- Tobias Rausch, an AfD politician, was elected president of Saxony-Anhalt's state parliament in the first voting round.
- He received 48 out of 82 possible votes, with four votes coming from parties other than the AfD and BSW.
- Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, also an AfD member, was elected vice president with 44 votes, including five from outside the AfD.
- The election prompted protests outside the parliament building, with demonstrators expressing concerns about right-wing extremism and democracy.
- According to a Tagesschau commentary, the result shows the AfD can organize majorities for its candidates and has cemented its power claim in the state.
Tagesschau reported that AfD politician Tobias Rausch was elected as the new state parliament president of Saxony-Anhalt.
The Tagesschau article was published on 6 October 2026.
Der Spiegel stated that Rausch won the first round with 48 of 82 possible votes.
Besides the AfD and BSW, four members of other parties also voted for him, according to Der Spiegel.
According to Der Spiegel, as president Rausch will lead sessions, head the Council of Elders, hold house rights in the parliament building, and represent the parliament externally.
Der Spiegel also reported that Hans-Thomas Tillschneider of the AfD was elected vice president with 44 votes, including five from outside the AfD.
Der Spiegel noted that protests took place directly in front of the parliament.
Demonstrators such as Fabio Klinge said they opposed right-wing extremism and the AfD's role in government, while Jana expressed fear for democracy and human rights.
Tagesschau commentary said the AfD's power claim was cemented by the vote.
The commentary added that the party showed it can organize majorities for its candidates and that the result marks a strategic breakthrough for the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt.
Context
The Tagesschau commentary noted that the AfD's election of its candidate to the presidency of the state parliament shows the party can organize majorities for its nominees.
How outlets headlined it
How this was made
Compiled by our AI newsroom from 2 independent outlets, checked by a separate AI editor against the sources. Only claims found in the sources are reported. Spot an error? Every source is linked below.