Far-Right German Party Ahead of Rivals in State Election, But Misses Majority
The Alternative for Germany result is the closest a far-right party has come to holding power at state level in Germany since World War II.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is set to outperform other rivals in a recent state election held in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The party secured 44% of the votes, while the center-right CDU party of Chancellor Friedrich Merz won less than 20% of the votes. Despite securing the most votes, the AfD faces an uncertain path to power as it would need a coalition partner or support from lawmakers outside the party to form a government.
The surge in support for the AfD, which emphasizes restricting immigration, ending aid to Ukraine, and withdrawing Germany from the euro, is remarkable in a country where far-right parties are traditionally marginalized due to the legacy of Nazism. The party's leaders in Saxony-Anhalt, however, claim to have made history in the country by taking it back.
The results have already drawn reactions worldwide, with U.S. President Donald Trump congratulating the AfD's co-leader Alice Weidel on the projected win. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev also expressed delight at the outcome, referring to it as a historic win for the pragmatic AfD.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Far-right AfD courts conservative support after historic German state election win nst.com.my
- Far-right AfD's Weidel targets 40% in next German federal election after state victory jpost.com
- German chancellor faces tough times after first far-right party’s state election win since Nazi era winnipegfreepress.com
