Germany's far-right AfD promises 'boom' but economists fear worst

Live updates

1. 8d ago

   AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt regional election with over 44% of vote

   The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a landslide victory in Saxony-Anhalt, securing more than 44% of the vote. The result far exceeds the 18.4% won by the conservative CDU. This victory increases internal political pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who must now manage the AfD's rise alongside external threats from Russia. The win has drawn international criticism, including warnings from MEP Ilaria Salis regarding the limits of majority rule and the historical precedent of democratic processes leading to fascism.

   Why it matters

   The AfD previously intended to use Saxony-Anhalt as a model for its governance, promising economic growth despite warnings from economists. The party often utilizes symbols of former communist East Germany, such as Simson scooters, to appeal to regional identities.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD is projected to win more than 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt.
   • The conservative CDU received 18.4% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election.
   • Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces increased pressure following the AfD victory.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Liana Fix of the CFR states that AfD gains add to internal pressures while Germany faces a growing external threat from Russia.
   • Ilaria Salis compared the AfD's democratic election to the way Adolf Hitler came to power.
   • AfD politicians use vintage Simson scooters as icons of former communist East Germany.

   What to watch next

   • Official certification of the final vote tally in Saxony-Anhalt
   • Formation of the state government and appointment of a governor
   • Legislative actions or bans proposed by senior German politicians against the AfD
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. www.cfr.org — Far-Right AfD and Russian Hybrid Campaign Pose Twin Threat for Germany’s Merz
   2. jen.jiji.com — Ross: "Bureaucracy in Italy is totally exaggerated"
   3. jen.jiji.com — The 'kangaroo move' to evade speed cameras, this is how they avoid fines
   4. uk.finance.yahoo.com — German AfD's love for Simson mopeds dismays Jewish family behind brand
   5. www.yahoo.com — German far-right set for big win in eastern state, projections show
   6. jen.jiji.com — Afd triumphs in elections, Ilaria Salis: "Hitler also came to power in Germany with a vote"
   7. www.csmonitor.com — Landslide victory for Germany's far-right AfD piles pressure on Chancellor Merz
   8. jen.jiji.com — Immunoglobulins, towards a more efficient supply and planning model
   confidence 90%
2. 13d ago

   AfD Poised for Potential State Governance Breakthrough in Germany

   The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is positioned to potentially secure its first state governor in modern German history through an upcoming election in a small eastern state. While the party promises economic growth, economists express concern over their platform. The party intends to use Saxony-Anhalt as a model for its governance. In response, senior German politicians are calling for bans on certain parts of the AfD, and State Premier Schulze is actively campaigning against the party's rise.

   Why it matters

   The AfD is viewed by critics as Kremlin-friendly and a threat to German democracy. Its potential win would breach the long-standing political firewall maintained by mainstream parties to exclude the far right from power. This shift could impact national policy and regional stability in eastern Germany.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD is poised to potentially win a state election in Germany.
   • Senior German politicians have called for a ban on parts of the AfD.
   • The AfD is targeting a small eastern state as a way to gain national power.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ulrich Siegmund wants to make Saxony-Anhalt a model for AfD rule.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the upcoming state election in eastern Germany
   • Official government decisions regarding the proposed ban on AfD factions
   • Policy responses from mainstream parties to counter AfD growth
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Financial Times — Senior German politicians call for ban on parts of far-right AfD
   2. The New York Times — Far Right Is Poised to Win in a German State, but Fight Over Power Won’t End There
   3. The Guardian — The Guardian view on the rise of Germany’s AfD: mainstream parties must deliver a bolder response | Editorial
   4. The Kyiv Independent — Germany's Kremlin-friendly AfD eyes historic election win
   5. AP News — An upcoming election could produce modern Germany’s 1st far-right state governor
   6. politico.eu — Germany’s far right eyes small eastern state as springboard to national power
   7. The Economist — The Alternative for Germany has plans for Saxony-Anhalt
   8. politico.eu — Germany is poised to enter one of its most dangerous moments yet
   9. Bloomberg.com — Germany’s Far-Right ‘Firewall’ Is Confronting a Historic Threat
   10. France 24 — Germany's far-right AfD promises 'boom' but economists fear worst
   11. dw.com — Siegmund wants to make Saxony-Anhalt a model for AfD rule
   12. dw.com — AfD's Ulrich Siegmund has plans for Saxony-Anhalt and beyond
   confidence 90%