by Lieutenant General (Ret.) K. H. Konstantinidis
Saxony (Sachsen) is one of the 16 federal states of Germany. (See map.)
In the recent elections, the AfD, which received 20.8% in the 2025 federal elections, has now achieved a historic victory with 43.8% in Saxony-Anhalt, while the CDU has collapsed to 17.2%. This points to a much stronger AfD, increasing pressure on Merz, and a difficult political balance until the next federal elections.
Saxony is located in eastern Germany, bordering Poland and the Czech Republic. Its capital is Dresden, while another major and well-known city is Leipzig.
Why does this region matter so much to Germany?
Saxony carries particular weight for Germany for historical, economic and geopolitical reasons.
- Historically: it was one of the most important German states, and the Kingdom of Saxony possessed considerable political and military power.
- Culturally: Dresden became a major center of art, music and architecture, while Leipzig developed into an important center of universities, commerce and intellectual life.
- Industrially: the region developed a strong tradition in metallurgy, machinery, the chemical industry and, particularly, the automotive industry and microelectronics.
- Geographically: it lies in eastern Germany, with direct access to Poland and the Czech Republic, making it an important gateway from Germany toward Central and Eastern Europe.
- In modern Germany: it is also significant because it represents an important part of the history of the former East Germany and German reunification in 1990.
And there is something else very interesting: Saxony is not simply “another German state.” It has an exceptionally strong historical identity. For centuries, the Saxons had their own ruling dynasty, state, army and political power.
The Wettin dynasty was the great ruling house of Saxony. It ruled Saxony for centuries and acquired enormous influence in German and European politics.
- The same dynasty produced the Electors and later Kings of Saxony. Their position in imperial politics was particularly important.
- Dresden became the magnificent court of the Wettins — palaces, art, music and collections of artworks gave Saxony great European prestige.
- Saxony became closely connected with Poland when the Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong, also became King of Poland. Thus, the Saxon dynasty extended its influence far beyond Germany.
- And something particularly interesting: the Wettins created one of the most important dynastic networks in Europe. Branches of their house became connected with thrones such as those of Britain, Belgium, Bulgaria and Portugal.
Conclusion
Saxony → Wettin → Dresden → royal court represents an important part of the historical soul of Germany.
It is no coincidence that the Allies bombed and largely destroyed Dresden, the capital of the state, during the Second World War — an event that has been regarded by many as a crime against culture, because Dresden was primarily a historic and cultural city and not simply a military target.
7 September 2026
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Konstantinos Konstantinidis
Author – Member of the Society of Greek Writers
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