German far-right set for big win in eastern state - projections

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is projected to achieve a significant victory in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, according to initial projections. The AfD is anticipated to secure 44.5% of the vote, a substantial lead over the conservative CDU, which is expected to receive 18.5% of the vote. This projected outcome would represent a historic achievement for the far-right party, as no far-right entity has previously governed at the state level in Germany since World War Two.

The charismatic leader of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, has stated that his party has won a mandate to govern. The AfD's projected result exceeds earlier opinion polls, causing exuberance among party leaders such as Siegmund, along with joint national leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla. However, until the AfD determines whether they have enough seats to form a government, they will need to assess which smaller parties have managed to secure the required 5% threshold in the state parliament.

The AfD's supporters are elated, as evidenced by the jubilant reaction at the party's election night headquarters, where supporters erupted in cheers and sang Germany's national anthem. Party leader Ulrich Siegmund declared, "We have made history in this state." His counterpart in the CDU, Sven Schulze, conceded the election and acknowledged the intensity of the campaign. The AfD's dominance in the election campaign has positioned them as the dominant force in the result as well.