A far-right party in Germany has achieved a stunning breakthrough in a regional election, according to exit polls, capturing nearly half the vote in Saxony-Anhalt and surpassing the ruling Christian Democrats in a result that could reshape the country’s political landscape. The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), known for its anti-immigration stance, has more than doubled its previous support, raising concerns about its potential to enter state-level governance for the first time since World War II. With counting still underway and the party refusing coalition talks, uncertainty remains over how—or if—the AfD will translate its strong showing into political power. The outcome has drawn global attention amid rising far-right influence across Europe.
Exit poll shows Alternative für Deutschland on 44.4% of vote in Saxony-Anhalt after huge turnout, with votes still being countedThe populist, far-right, anti-immigration Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has emerged as the winner in a crucial state election in Germany, exit polls have projected, securing a historic result and more than doubling its support. The AfD now appear on the brink of becoming the first far-right party to gain power in Germany at state level since the second world war. Initial exit polls showed the party to have secured 44.4% of the vote, a larger share than predicted, and decisively larger than that of the Christian Democrats (CDU) of the chancellor, Friedrich Merz, in a contest that was being followed across the world. However, it still remains unclear as to how and whether the AfD will be able to form a government, having ruled out entering a coalition and being refused any form of cooperation by the mainstream parties. Continue reading...
