The CDU subsequently formed a grand coalition with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and Tillich was re-elected as Minister-President.

The FDP suffered a major decline in support nationally after 2009, culminating in their ejection from the Bundestag in the 2013 federal election.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) was hoping to win seats in a state parliament for the first time.

[1] The National Democratic Party (NPD) had won seats in Saxony in 2004 and retained them, with losses, in 2009.

[2] Prior to the election, Tillich was open to coalitions with the FDP, the SPD, the Greens or AfD.

Carsten Linnemann, the chairman of the CDU/CSU Business Association, stated that a coalition with the Greens was a viable alternative if the FDP did not obtain any seats.

[3] Tillich did not rule out a coalition with AfD, though CDU general-secretary Peter Tauber spoke out against the possibility.

Due to the ejection of the FDP from the Landtag, the CDU was forced to seek new coalition partners.