Far-right AfD wins historic victory in German state election

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has achieved a historic victory in the state elections of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, according to exit polls. The far-right party garnered 44% of the vote, placing them in first place and potentially setting the stage for a far-right government at the state level for the first time since World War Two.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative party suffered a significant defeat, with 57% of voters expressing dissatisfaction with the federal government. The AfD's victory reflects a deep unpopularity of the ruling coalition and the rise of hardline parties in a fracturing political landscape. If the party can secure a majority of seats in the state parliament, it will have secured a foothold for advancing its agenda, which includes heavily restricting immigration, restoring ties with Russia, cutting support to Ukraine, and potentially leaving the euro.

The election, with a turnout of 77%, demonstrated the desire for political change among the German electorate.