Germany's far-right AfD bids to take helm of state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt
The outcome hinges on five deputies from the BSW party, in a vote seen as a first test of relations between the two before the AfD's bid to lead the state government in December.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is bidding to take control of the state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD has nominated long-serving parliamentarian Tobias Rausch for the post of speaker, according to DW News. The party holds 39 seats in the legislature, the same number as other parties combined.
The outcome of the vote is uncertain, with five deputies from the populist BSW party holding the balance of power, as reported by Euronews. The BSW has pledged to back the AfD's candidate. However, all other parties have refused to work with the AfD, with the CDU chairman advising members to abstain from the vote.
If Rausch is elected, he will become the first AfD speaker of a state parliament in Germany. The session has been accompanied by protests from civil groups. There will be no vote on who will lead the state government, with the AfD expected to make a bid in December.
Brief written by urgent.news from Euronews, DW English (Top Stories), DW News, Winnipeg Free Press — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Far-right election win leaves migrants questioning their future in eastern Germany winnipegfreepress.com
