A Nazi-curious party just won big in Germany. The White House approves.

Live updates

1. 3d ago

   Far-right AfD wins state election in Germany

   The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has secured a victory in Saxony-Anhalt, marking a significant rise for the far right in German politics. The party is now attempting to use its first state government as a policy lab. While some analysts suggest the win benefits Vladimir Putin due to AfD messaging that mirrors his own, the White House has expressed approval of the outcome. Opponents, including Merz, have accused the party of advocating for ethnic cleansing.

   Why it matters

   The AfD represents a shift toward radical anti-establishment politics in Germany. Its growth threatens traditional power structures and may influence Germany's approach to the war in Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The White House approves of the AfD victory.
   • Merz accused the AfD of calling for ethnic cleansing.
   • The AfD is using its first state government as a far-right policy lab.
   • The AfD win is beneficial for Vladimir Putin.
   • The AfD uses messaging that mirrors Vladimir Putin.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of AfD policies in the Saxony-Anhalt state government.
   • Official statements from the White House regarding the election results.
   • Changes in German foreign policy toward Ukraine resulting from the victory.
   Sources used for this update (16)

   1. The Economist — What should Germany do about its rising right?
   2. Reuters — Germany's Merz accuses far-right AfD of calling for 'ethnic cleansing'
   3. vox.com — A Nazi-curious party just won big in Germany. The White House approves.
   4. nytimes.com — This Tiny Anti-Establishment Party May Put Germany’s Far Right in Power
   5. The Nation — The German Far Right’s Shocking Victory in Saxony-Anhalt Is a Warning for Germany
   6. Bloomberg.com — Germany’s AfD Win Is Great News for Putin
   7. The New York Times — With Messaging That Mirrors Putin’s, Germany’s Far-Right Party Gains Ground
   8. wsj.com — The AfD Is Trying to Turn Its First State Government Into a Far-Right Policy Lab
   9. Mother Jones — The Far Right Can’t Stand Being Called “Far Right”
   10. The Christian Science Monitor — What the far right’s victory in Germany could mean for the war in Ukraine
   11. The Economist — The AfD is making the weather in German politics
   12. politico.eu — A new path to power for the far right: Don’t moderate. Stay radical.
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