German voters head to polls as far-right AfD party eyes historic state win

Live updates

1. 32m ago

   AfD Targets Further Gains Following Saxony-Anhalt Victory

   Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany party is seeking to expand its influence through municipal elections this weekend. The party enters these contests with momentum after winning a landslide victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, where 1.7 million voters punished major parties over cost-of-living issues. While the AfD failed to secure a supermajority in that state and faces uncertainty regarding government formation, the party is now attempting to translate that success into gains across both eastern and western Germany.

   Why it matters

   The AfD's rise reflects growing voter dissatisfaction with the political establishment and anti-immigrant sentiment. This shift puts significant pressure on the German chancellor as the party seeks a broader foothold in European power.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD is targeting gains in upcoming elections from east to west starting with municipal voting this weekend.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the municipal elections this weekend
   • Confirmation of whether the AfD can form a government in Saxony-Anhalt
   Sources used for this update (7)

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   6. www.clevelandjewishnews.com — Germany’s far-right AfD, riding state win, targets more gains in elections from east to west
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   confidence 80%
2. 3d ago

   German Chancellor Faces Pressure After AfD State Election Landslide

   Germany faces political upheaval after the far-right Alternative for Germany party secured a landslide victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. Approximately 1.7 million voters participated in the contest, punishing major parties over the cost-of-living crisis. While the anti-immigrant party fell short of its goal for a supermajority and questions remain regarding whether it can form a government, the outcome has shaken the political establishment. The German chancellor now confronts mounting pressure as the far-right party takes another significant step toward power in Europe.

   Why it matters

   The Alternative for Germany built its nationwide constituency through relentless opposition to immigration, nativist appeal, and efforts to relativize Germany's Nazi past. Sunday's vote in Saxony-Anhalt sent a chill through the political establishment across Europe. Germany's postwar democracy was specifically designed to prevent the return of right-wing extremism, making these electoral gains a severe test for the country's mainstream political center.

   What is confirmed

   • The Alternative for Germany party won a landslide in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
   • Approximately 1.7 million voters cast ballots in the Saxony-Anhalt election.
   • The Alternative for Germany party is projected to win more than 44% of the vote, exceeding the conservative CDU's 18.4%.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The German mainstream still has a window of opportunity to act and reverse the trend to the far right.
   • Voters in Saxony-Anhalt punished the major parties specifically for their handling of the cost-of-living crisis.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the Alternative for Germany successfully forms a government in Saxony-Anhalt
   • Responses and policy shifts from the German chancellor and the political center to counter the far-right surge
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. theconversation.com — Even if it doesn’t form government, the far‑right AfD has shaken Germany’s political establishment to the core
   2. www.aljazeera.com — AfD is rising, but it can still be stopped
   3. time.com — The AfD Is Rising. Germany’s Political Center Is Failing.
   4. www.timeslive.co.za — German chancellor faces pressure after far-right AfD party wins a landslide in a state election
   5. www.cnn.com — The far right’s win in Germany is sending a chill through the establishment in Europe
   confidence 100%
3. 4d ago

   Far-right AfD projected to win Saxony-Anhalt state election

   The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is projected to win more than 44% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, far exceeding the conservative CDU's 18.4%. Exit polls indicate a historic result for the anti-immigrant party, though it remains unclear if the AfD can successfully form a government. Approximately 1.7 million voters cast ballots in a contest that analysts suggest will have a nationwide impact on German politics. The AfD has hailed the outcome as a landmark achievement for the far right.

   Why it matters

   This election marks a potential first since World War II for a far-right party to take power at the state level in Germany. The AfD's rise is particularly concentrated in eastern Germany. Internal party divisions exist regarding whether to align with Donald Trump.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD is projected to win more than 44% of the vote.
   • The conservative CDU is projected to receive 18.4% of the vote.
   • Roughly 1.7 million voters were eligible to cast ballots in the election.
   • Polls closed at 6pm GMT.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD is split on whether to cozy up to Donald Trump.
   • Ulrich Siegmund is bringing the AfD to the cusp of power.

   What to watch next

   • Official confirmation of the final vote tally
   • Coalition negotiations to determine if a government can be formed
   • The AfD's official response to the final results
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. CNN — Germany’s far-right AfD is poised for power – and split on whether to cozy up to Trump
   2. Bloomberg.com — ‘We Can Only Win’: The Rise of the Far Right in Eastern Germany
   3. Semafor — German far-right set for gains in key elections
   4. Reuters — Germany's far-right AfD seeks landmark state victory as Saxony-Anhalt votes
   5. dw.com — Saxony-Anhalt's state election will have a nationwide impact
   6. The New York Times — A State in Germany Could Soon Have Far-Right Leaders. Here’s What to Know.
   7. Al Jazeera — German voters head to polls as far-right AfD party eyes historic state win
   8. dw.com — Saxony-Anhalt: Far-right AfD eyes power in German state vote
   9. The New York Times — In Germany, Ulrich Siegmund Is Bringing the AfD to the Cusp of Power
   10. Bloomberg.com — Germany’s Far Right Heads for Historic State Win: What to Watch
   11. The Guardian — Far-right AfD predicted to win big in crucial German state election
   12. www.dailymail.com — Germans head to the polls as far-Right AfD party on course for landmark win in regional election
   confidence 90%