Germany: Why is the AfD so popular in Saxony-Anhalt?
Voting began in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday in a closely watched election that could see the Alternative for Germany (AfD) become the first far-right party to lead a state government since World War II. We discuss this with our guest, Hans Stark, professor of German studies at Sorbonne University.
Voting has begun in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt in an election that could see the Alternative for Germany (AfD) become the first far-right party to lead a state government since World War II. The party, led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, has been polling ahead for months.
According to recent surveys, the AfD is at just over 40%, followed by the Christian Democrats (CDU) at 23%. If the AfD achieves an absolute majority, it would allow the party to bypass mainstream parties' efforts to keep it out of power.
About 1.7 million voters have until 6 p.m. to cast their ballot. Initial results are expected shortly after, with state election officials releasing their first turnout estimates starting at noon, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Jerusalem Post, RFI English — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
