# AfD claims Magdeburg parliament presidency

> Germany's far-right AfD seeks the Saxony-Anhalt parliament speaker role with BSW support, sidelining the CDU.
- Title: AfD claims Magdeburg parliament presidency · POLITICO
- Summary: Germany's far-right AfD seeks the Saxony-Anhalt parliament speaker role with BSW support, sidelining the CDU. The AfD is using BSW votes to claim the…
- Keywords: afd, bsw, saxony-anhalt, magdeburg, parliament presidency, cdu, tobias rausch, christian leye, politics, world, claims, parliament
- Source: POLITICO — https://politico.eu/podcast/berlin-playbook-podcast/der-erste-machtbeweis-der-afd-in-magdeburg
- Published: 2026-10-06T03:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: afd, bsw, saxony-anhalt, magdeburg, parliament presidency, cdu, tobias rausch, christian leye, politics, world
## AfD bids for parliament speaker
The Saxony-Anhalt parliament convenes in Magdeburg under historic circumstances. The AfD, as the strongest force, is claiming the parliament presidency with candidate Tobias Rausch.
## BSW holds the deciding votes
The AfD's plan could succeed with the decisive votes of the BSW. This coalition would reduce the CDU to spectators in the parliament leadership election.
## BSW explains its position
BSW vice-chief Christian Leye says his party is helping the AfD secure the parliament presidency without acting as a far-right enabler. The BSW draws a clear red line for future government formation.
## BSW positions itself as centre force
The BSW is using the parliament presidency vote to position itself as a new centrist force in German politics, distinct from both the AfD and traditional parties.
## EU hardens China trade stance
Meanwhile at European level, Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron are pushing EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen toward a tougher approach to China on trade policy.
## German auto industry alarmed
The escalating trade tensions with China are alarming Germany's automotive industry. Brussels is discussing defensive trade instruments that could affect German exporters.
## Key takeaway

The AfD is using BSW votes to claim the Magdeburg parliament presidency, a historic shift that marginalises the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt.