Putin's Delhi Remarks Frame AfD's Saxony-Anhalt Landslide as Backlash to Western Policies on Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 11-12, 2026, linked the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's strong performance in the recent Saxony-Anhalt state election to what he described as 'systemic mistakes' by Western globalists in politics, security, and the economy. The AfD secured approximately 43.8% of the vote on September 6, marking a record result and more than doubling its 2021 share, though falling short of an absolute majority in the 83-seat parliament. Mainstream German and international outlets reported the outcome as a historic breakthrough for the far-right party in eastern Germany.[1][2]

Putin initially called the result an internal German matter before elaborating that European developments, including the AfD's rise, stemmed from anti-Russian policies, NATO's eastward expansion, support for Ukraine, and energy sanctions that replaced cheap Russian gas with costlier alternatives. He warned that plans to deploy European troops to Ukraine would equate to war with Russia and accused elites of creating a 'fake threat' to justify their stance. These comments were captured in pool reports and circulated via Kremlin-aligned channels, with corroboration from dpa, Reuters, and German media.[3][4]

The election results showed the CDU plummeting to 17.2%, its worst showing in the state, while smaller parties like the SPD, Greens, Left, and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) split the remainder. Analysts noted the AfD's gains reflected voter frustration with migration, economic pressures from energy costs, and foreign policy, themes that align with Putin's critique of EU dynamics. The party's Saxony-Anhalt branch has been classified as right-wing extremist by state intelligence, complicating coalition prospects as other parties refuse cooperation.[5]

This episode highlights a broader shift: AfD's momentum in eastern states signals deepening polarization in Germany, with potential ripple effects on EU cohesion, energy independence strategies, and the Ukraine conflict. Putin's framing positions the party's success as a rational voter response to pragmatic national interests rather than external influence, a narrative gaining traction amid documented policy strains but contested by critics citing the party's documented Russia ties.