German far-right set for big win in eastern state - exit polls

Germany's far-right party, AfD, is poised for a significant victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt according to exit polls. The party is projected to secure between 44-44.5% of the vote, far surpassing its conservative rivals, the CDU, which is expected to garner 18.5%. If confirmed, this outcome could mark the first time a far-right party governs a German state since World War Two, a claim to be taken with caution as the final results depend on coalition negotiations.

Saxony-Anhalt, with a population of 2.1 million, will have the AfD in control of key powers including policing, local education, and culture if the party manages to form a government. The AfD's leader, Ulrich Siegmund, has not shown willingness to join forces with any other party, emphasizing the historic nature of this potential government.

However, the AfD's success hinges on forming a coalition with other smaller parties, a process that could hinge on whether these parties secure the necessary 5% threshold to enter the state parliament. The AfD's position as a "far-right extremist" is classified by domestic intelligence, a label the party rejects. This story will continue to develop and further updates will be provided shortly.