Far-right landslide win in German polls echoes Nazi-era breakthrough, rattles European leaders
%2Ffile%2Fattachments%2Forphans%2F6334534_637522.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a significant electoral victory in Saxony-Anhalt, securing 44 percent of the vote. Political analysts warn that this result, the strongest for a far-right party since the Nazi era, could signal a broader shift in European politics.
Why it matters
The rise of the AfD in Germany challenges the post-WWII political consensus and raises concerns about the stability of democratic institutions in Europe.
News ✕ Far-right landslide win in German polls echoes Nazi-era breakthrough, rattles European leaders Published: Sep 8, 2026 12:13 PM “A black day for European democracy”.
That was the stark verdict from Cas Mudde, author of “The Far Right Today” and professor of international affairs at the University of Georgia, following the landslide victory of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt.
The result, which marked the strongest showing by a far-right party in a German state election since the Nazi era, has sent alarm bells ringing across Europe, with leaders warning that the breakthrough could signal a wider resurgence of the far-right...
The result, which marked the strongest showing by a far-right party in a German state election since the Nazi era, has sent alarm bells ringing across Europe, with leaders warning that the breakthrough could signal a wider resurgence of the far-right.
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