German exit polls suggest far-right party has big lead in regional election
The far-right AfD party has achieved a significant lead in Saxony-Anhalt's regional elections, though it remains unclear if they can form a government. The results reflect widespread voter discontent with the current national coalition and economic performance.
Why it matters
The potential rise of a far-right state government in Germany would mark a historic shift in post-WWII German politics and challenge the established political 'firewall'.
MAGDEBURG, Germany — The Alternative for Germany party has a strong lead in a regional election, but it is unclear whether it will be able to form the country's first far-right state government since World War II, exit polls indicated Sunday.
Alternative for Germany, or AfD, went into the vote in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt seeking an absolute majority in the state legislature to govern on its own. That would overcome the so-called "firewall" of mainstream parties' refusal to work with AfD.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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