Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election
The far-right AfD party is polling strongly in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, with potential to win a significant share of the vote. Other major parties have maintained a 'firewall' against cooperating with the AfD, which is classified as right-wing extremist by intelligence agencies.
Why it matters
A strong performance by the AfD could destabilize the traditional German political coalition system and signal a shift in national political sentiment.
Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s state leader, arrived to vote on a moped with his wife, Julia. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s state leader, arrived to vote on a moped with his wife, Julia. Germany Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election Polling stations open in Saxony-Anhalt with anti-immigration party AfD predicted to gain 41% vote share
Prefer the Guardian on Google German voterswent to the polls on Sunday for a crucial regional election where the far-right, anti-immigration and Moscow-friendly Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is expected to win.
AfD, polling at more than 40% for months in Saxony-Anhalt, even has its sights on winning its first-ever state government, although this is far from assured.
Polls opened at 8am and 1.7 million voters have until 6pm to cast their ballots, with first projections expected shortly after.
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Germany's alliance against the far right
Germany's far-right AfD bids for first taste of power in eastern vote - BBC
‘Can no longer be stopped’: AfD races towards historic win in Germany state vote
Germany's far-right AfD bids for first taste of power in eastern vote
Germany’s far-right AfD is poised for power – and split on whether to cozy up to Trump - CNN
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