Could the AfD become Germany's first far-right party to lead a state since WWII?

Live updates

1. 46m ago

   AfD Victory in Saxony-Anhalt Sparks European Alarm

   The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won the Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6, becoming the region's largest party. While the party failed to secure a supermajority, the win brings it closer to leading a state government than any far-right group since World War II. German intelligence labels the anti-immigration party as extremist and xenophobic. The result has triggered widespread concern across Europe that the long-standing anti-fascist consensus established after the defeat of the Nazis is eroding.

   Why it matters

   Germany's postwar democracy was specifically structured to prevent the return of right-wing extremism. The AfD's growth puts pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz and signals a deepening political divide within the country.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD won a major parliamentary election victory in Saxony-Anhalt.
   • The AfD is an anti-immigration party.
   • The AfD's victory in a German state election has caused alarm across Europe.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD is labeled as xenophobic and extremist by German intelligence.
   • The AfD's win heralds the demise of an anti-fascist consensus dating back to the defeat of the Nazis.

   What to watch next

   • Coalition negotiations in Saxony-Anhalt to determine if the AfD can form a government
   • Official reactions from European Union leadership regarding the shift in German politics
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.pbs.org — Far-right AfD win signals shift in Germany, raises alarm in Europe
   2. www.cnn.com — The far right’s win in Germany is sending a chill through the establishment in Europe
   3. inews.co.uk — My millennial daughter doesn’t trust me with her kids – she’s so anxious
   4. apnews.com — German vote shows rise of far-right in Europe, but it hasn’t been a steady march
   5. www.csmonitor.com — After landslide far-right victory, Germany asks: What just happened?
   6. apnews.com — Ellen Burstyn reflects on playing Marilyn Monroe and a lifetime in movies
   confidence 90%
2. 18h ago

   AfD Victory in Saxony-Anhalt Pressures Chancellor Merz

   The Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a landslide victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6, becoming the largest party in the region. This result puts the party closer to leading a state government than any far-right group since World War II. The win increases political pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz as the AfD leverages its growth. The party built its support through nativist appeals, opposition to immigration, and attempts to relativize the history of the Nazi era.

   Why it matters

   The AfD has grown into a major political force in the 13 years since its inception. Its success tests the political firewall designed to keep far-right parties out of government power. The outcome reflects a struggle between the rising far right and a failing political center.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD won a landslide victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
   • The AfD has been active for 13 years.
   • The election result puts pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
   • This is the first time a far-right party has won a German state election since World War II.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD is poised to lead the first state government since the Nazi era.
   • The AfD built its constituency through efforts to relativize Germany's Nazi past.

   What to watch next

   • Coalition negotiations in Saxony-Anhalt to determine if the AfD will lead the government
   • Official response from Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the election result
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. apnews.com — AfD party’s landslide win in eastern Germany tests country’s ‘firewall’ against the far right
   2. www.csmonitor.com — Landslide victory for Germany's far-right AfD piles pressure on Chancellor Merz
   3. time.com — The AfD Is Rising. Germany’s Political Center Is Failing.
   4. www.arise.tv — Far Right AfD Secures Historic State Election Victory In Germany
   5. gulfnews.com — Far-right AfD poised to lead first state government since Nazi era as Merz reels from Saxony-Anhalt landslide
   confidence 90%
3. 1d ago

   AfD wins state election in Saxony-Anhalt

   The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has become the largest party in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt following an election on Sunday, September 6. This result marks the first time a far-right party has won a German state election since World War II. Led by 35-year-old candidate Ulrich Siegmund, the party has challenged the mainstream political establishment and now seeks to lead the state government.

   Why it matters

   Germany employs a 5% threshold for parties to enter parliament, which can increase the seat share of leading parties if smaller competitors fail to qualify. The AfD has polled ahead in this region for several months.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD is the largest party in the state of Saxony-Anhalt.
   • The AfD is the first far-right party to win a German state election since World War II.
   • Ulrich Siegmund is the 35-year-old lead candidate for the AfD.
   • Voting in Saxony-Anhalt took place on Sunday, September 6.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD may have taken an absolute majority in the parliament.
   • The AfD may become the first far-right party to lead a state government since World War II.

   What to watch next

   • Formation of a coalition government in Saxony-Anhalt
   • Final official seat counts for smaller parties regarding the 5% threshold
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. CBS News — Could the AfD become Germany's first far-right party to lead a state since WWII?
   2. Al Jazeera — German voters head to polls as far-right AfD party eyes historic state win
   3. dw.com — Saxony-Anhalt: Far-right AfD eyes power in German state vote
   4. The New York Times — In Germany, Ulrich Siegmund Is Bringing the AfD to the Cusp of Power
   5. www.cnbc.com — Germany's far-right AfD seeks landmark state victory as Saxony-Anhalt votes
   6. AP News — German region votes in election that could bring first far-right state government to power
   7. www.newsweek.com — Germany Election: AFD Wins, May Be First Far-Right Party in Power Since WW2
   8. www.abc.net.au — AfD tops poll in German state of Saxony-Anhaltin in first far-right win since WWII
   confidence 90%