Far-right AfD makes historic breakthrough in Germany, wins 44% in state poll
The far-right AfD party has achieved a historic result in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, securing 44% of the vote. This breakthrough marks a significant shift in German politics, as the party seeks to govern despite being classified as right-wing extremist by intelligence services.
Why it matters
The rise of the AfD represents a major challenge to the post-war political consensus in Germany and could alter state-level policy on policing and education.
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is poised for a historic breakthrough in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, opening the prospect of the party seeking to govern despite falling short of an outright majority.With most interim results counted, the AfD was projected to secure a record 44% of the vote and far ahead of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which stood at 17%.Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s prominent leader in Saxony-Anhalt, described the result as “sensational” and said the party wanted to begin governing as soon as possible.According to the BBC report, a victory would mark an unprecedented development in post-war Germany, where no far-right party has previously taken control of a state government.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election
German far-right set for big win eastern state - exit polls
German voters head to polls as far-right AfD party eyes historic state win
German exit polls suggest far-right party has big lead in regional election
right set for big win in eastern state of Saxony
AfD on track for first far-right postwar majority in Saxony-Anhalt
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in