Why is the far-right AfD’s state victory significant and what might happen next in German politics?

Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) has secured its strongest-ever showing in a state election, winning nearly half the vote in Saxony-Anhalt and falling just short of an outright majority. The result marks the party’s most significant electoral success since the Nazi era, signaling a major shift in political dynamics ahead of two more state elections this month. Analysts warn the victory could reshape Germany’s political landscape, particularly in the eastern states where anti-immigration and pro-Kremlin sentiment remains influential. With the AfD now poised to play a larger role in regional governance, the outcome raises concerns about the future of Germany’s democratic stability.

Aftershocks of party’s win in Saxony-Anhalt will ripple across Germany, with two more state elections this monthEurope live – latest updatesGermany is reeling from the biggest far-right victory in a state election since the Nazi period after voters in Saxony-Anhalt in the former communist east gave the anti-immigration, pro-Kremlin Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party a thumping first-place finish of 44%, just short of an absolute majority. Continue reading...