‘It breaks my heart’: far-right’s big election victory sparks dismay in German state capital
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) secured a historic 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt elections, causing dismay and fear among residents, particularly immigrants. Concerns are raised about the AfD's anti-immigrant policies, including potential deportations, and the future direction of Germany.
Why it matters
This significant electoral success for a far-right party in Germany signals a growing shift in the political landscape, raising concerns about immigration policies, social cohesion, and the country's democratic values, with potential implications for the European Union.
The centre of Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, where Alternative für Deutschland won 44% of the vote on Sunday. Live News The centre of Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, where Alternative für Deutschland won 44% of the vote on Sunday. Live News Germany ‘It breaks my heart’: far-right’s big election victory sparks dismay in German state capital Fears expressed for immigrants and for country’s future after AfD vote hits historic high in Saxony-Anhalt
Prefer the Guardian on Google Maryam and her best friend were ambling through Magdeburg toward the railway station, talking over the dramatic events of the previous evening and the surge by the far-right Alternative für Deutschland to a historically high vote in the Saxony-Anhalt elections .
“Don’t laugh at me,” she said, “but I wish we could go back to the days of Angela Merkel, when things were OK in Germany”.
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