Anti-AfD protests sweep Germany as far right closes in on two more states
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has won the election in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially establishing the first far-right state government in Germany. The victory has sparked nationwide protests and alarmed European establishments. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused the AfD of pursuing an "ethnic cleansing" policy and cancelled a scheduled call with Donald Trump following the result. The AfD platform includes separate schools for refugees and mass deportations, while the party's success is attributed in part to a charismatic candidate who provided a friendlier image.
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- ✓ The AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt.
- ✓ The AfD platform includes mass deportations and separate schools for refugees.
- ✓ Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled a call with Donald Trump after the election.
- ✓ The victory has triggered protests against the AfD across Germany.
What changed
The AfD secured a victory in Saxony-Anhalt, leading Chancellor Merz to accuse the party of "ethnic cleansing" and cancel a call with Donald Trump.
Live updates
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AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt election as anti-far-right protests spread
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has won the election in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially establishing the first far-right state government in Germany. The victory has sparked nationwide protests and alarmed European establishments. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has accused the AfD of pursuing an "ethnic cleansing" policy and cancelled a scheduled call with Donald Trump following the result. The AfD platform includes separate schools for refugees and mass deportations, while the party's success is attributed in part to a charismatic candidate who provided a friendlier image.
Why it matters
This win signals a shift in German politics and puts significant pressure on the current government's stability. The result reflects broader right-wing gains across Europe and has caused alarm among German Jewish leaders and economic sectors.
What is confirmed
- The AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt.
- The AfD platform includes mass deportations and separate schools for refugees.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz cancelled a call with Donald Trump after the election.
- The victory has triggered protests against the AfD across Germany.
Still unconfirmed
- The AfD victory marks the end of German democracy as it was previously known.
What to watch next
- Formation of the Saxony-Anhalt state government
- Official response from the European Union regarding the shift in German politics
- Further election results in the two other states the AfD is targeting
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (26)
- AP News — German region votes in election that could bring first far-right state government to power
- apnews.com — Charismatic candidate propels German far-right party to victory after giving it a friendly face
- CNN — Mass deportations and separate schools for refugees: The far-right AfD’s vision for Germany
- reuters.com — Far-right win leaves Germany's Merz shaken as AfD plots path to power
- WSJ — After Far-Right Triumph, Merz Faces Narrow Path to Save His Government
- PBS — Far-right AfD win signals shift in Germany, raises alarm in Europe
- CNN — The far right’s win in Germany is sending a chill through the establishment in Europe
- The New York Times — A Far-Right Win Puts New Pressure on Germany’s Leader
- Reuters — What would Germany's AfD do in first 100 days if it takes power in Saxony-Anhalt?
- AP News — German vote shows rise of far right in Europe, but it hasn’t been a steady march
- The Guardian — Anti-AfD protests sweep Germany as far right closes in on two more states
- dw.com — BSW and AfD – a political love-hate relationship in Germany
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