State parliament elects Germany’s first far-right speaker since second world war
The far-right AfD party has secured the position of speaker in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament, marking the first time a far-right party has held this role in Germany since World War II. Tobias Rausch was elected with support from his party and members of the left-wing BSW party.
Why it matters
This election represents a significant shift in German political norms and highlights the growing influence of the AfD in regional governance.
Ulrich Siegmund, right, congratulates Tobias Rausch on becoming president of the federal state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt on Tuesday. Both represent Germany’s far-right AfD party. Photograph: Jan Woitas/Pool DPA/AP Ulrich Siegmund, right, congratulates Tobias Rausch on becoming president of the federal state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt on Tuesday. Both represent Germany’s far-right AfD party. Photograph: Jan Woitas/Pool DPA/AP Germany State parliament elects Germany’s first far-right speaker since second world war Tobias Rausch secures role of president in Saxony-Anhalt after AfD’s election breakthrough
Prefer the Guardian on Google Alternative für Deutschland has become Germany’s first far-right party to secure the position of speaker of a regional parliament since the second world war.
Tobias Rausch, a former estate agent, was elected in the first round of voting on Tuesday in Saxony-Anhalt. He won 48 out of the 82 votes cast.
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