Far-right AfD's Weidel targets 40% in next German federal election after state victory

Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), has set her sights on securing at least 40% of the vote in the upcoming federal election, following the party's historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt. Weidel stated that her aim is to rapidly expand the party's influence and reach a 40% threshold for the next federal election.

The AfD experienced a significant surge, claiming first place in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections on Sunday, placing themselves in a unique position to potentially govern at the state level for the first time since World War II. Although they fell short of a majority, the AfD secured 44% of the vote, delivering a crushing defeat to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative party, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with Germany's ruling coalition in a fractured political climate.

The AfD is currently Germany's most popular party nationally and is determined to establish a platform for advancing its agenda, which includes stringent immigration policies, re-establishing relations with Russia, reducing support for Ukraine, and withdrawing from the euro. As the election continues, it remains uncertain whether the AfD can form a government, but the political implications of this result are undeniable.

The election, which saw a high voter turnout of 77% according to broadcaster ZDF, marked a pivotal moment in German politics.