The Debate - German far right's breakout moment? AfD party eyes outright win in regional election

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   German Far-Right AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt Election

   The anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party secured a major parliamentary election victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. While the far-right group took the most votes and trounced the ruling conservatives, it fell short of the absolute majority or supermajority it sought. The outcome sends a chill through the political establishment in Europe and raises alarm over the potential demise of Germany's postwar anti-fascist consensus. Questions remain regarding how the party will navigate governance given that it missed an outright majority.

   Why it matters

   Germany's postwar democracy was specifically designed to prevent the return of right-wing extremism, making this electoral breakthrough a profound shock to the political establishment. German intelligence has labelled the AfD as xenophobic and extremist. Liana Fix discussed the outcome with Liz Landers on PBS NewsHour, highlighting a growing political divide in the country.

   What is confirmed

   • Alternative for Germany won the most votes in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on Sunday.
   • The party fell short of an absolute majority or supermajority in the legislature.
   • German intelligence has labelled the AfD as xenophobic and extremist.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The party thanked Elon Musk for support during the election cycle.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the AfD can form a government on its own or secure coalition partners
   • Reactions and policy shifts from Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the ruling conservatives
   Sources used for this update (5)

   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. truthout.org — German Far Right Party AfD Wins Regional Election, Thanks Musk for Support
   4. www.france24.com — Only the beginning? German far-right's breakthrough shakes Europe to its core
   5. apnews.com — German vote shows rise of far-right in Europe, but it hasn’t been a steady march
   confidence 95%
2. 19h ago

   German Far-Right AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt State Election

   The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party surged into first place in Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt. Led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, the party sought an absolute majority in the legislature. Exit polls show the far-right group secured a landslide victory, marking a major breakthrough and challenging Germany's mainstream political establishment. This development creates intense pressure on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. However, post-election exit polls indicate it remains unclear whether the AfD will manage to form a government on its own or find coalition partners.

   Why it matters

   The Alternative for Germany has grown into a major political force during its 13 years of existence. Voters in Saxony-Anhalt punished major parties over their handling of the cost-of-living crisis. Mainstream political parties previously maintained a firewall refusing to cooperate with the far-right group. Sunday's vote tests that firewall as the party attempts to take state power for the first time since World War Two.

   What is confirmed

   • Voters in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt went to the polls on Sunday.
   • The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party is led in the state by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund.
   • Exit polls indicate the AfD surged into first place in the state election.
   • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces political pressure following the result.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD could potentially take an absolute majority if several smaller parties fail to clear Germany's five percent threshold to enter parliament.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the AfD secures an absolute majority or manages to form a government.
   • Actions by mainstream parties regarding the firewall against cooperating with the far-right group.
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. www.cnbc.com — Germany's far-right AfD seeks landmark state victory as Saxony-Anhalt votes
   2. www.newsweek.com — Germany Election: AFD Wins, May Be First Far-Right Party in Power Since WW2
   3. www.cnn.com — Germany’s far-right AfD projected to win eastern state but unclear if it will be able to govern
   4. www.pbs.org — German far-right party set for strong win in regional election but uncertain of governing
   5. www.france24.com — Germany's far-right AfD eyes historic state victory in Saxony-Anhalt election
   6. theconversation.com — Even if it doesn’t form government, the far‑right AfD has shaken Germany’s political establishment to the core
   7. apnews.com — German chancellor faces pressure after far-right AfD party wins a landslide in a state election
   8. apnews.com — AfD party’s landslide win in eastern Germany tests country’s ‘firewall’ against the far right
   confidence 95%
3. 2d ago

   German far-right AfD party eyes outright win in regional election

   The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is poised to win a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially marking its first taste of power in a German state. This development has sparked concerns among minorities and raised questions about the party's stance on issues like immigration and relations with the US. The AfD's potential win is seen as a significant moment for the party, which has been gaining support in recent years.

   Why it matters

   The AfD's rise to power is being closely watched by European leaders and citizens, as it could have implications for Germany's domestic and foreign policy. The party has been known for its anti-immigration and nationalist stance, which has drawn criticism from many. This regional election is seen as a test of the party's popularity and its ability to govern.

   What is confirmed

   • The AfD is poised to win a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
   • The party's potential win has raised concerns among minorities and sparked questions about its stance on issues like immigration and relations with the US.
   • The AfD has been gaining support in recent years, with some polls suggesting it could win outright.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The AfD may cozy up to Trump if it wins the election.

   What to watch next

   • The official results of the regional election in Saxony-Anhalt.
   • The AfD's policy decisions if it wins the election.
   • The reaction of European leaders and citizens to the AfD's potential win.
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. The Guardian — ‘This could just be the beginning’: minorities fear first far-right win in German state election
   2. The New York Times — Opinion | Something Alarming Is About to Happen in Germany
   3. Brookings — Could the right-wing extremist AfD govern a German state for the first time?
   4. France 24 — The Debate - German far right's breakout moment? AfD party eyes outright win in regional election
   5. bbc.com — Germany's far-right AfD bids for first taste of power in eastern vote
   6. CNN — Germany’s far-right AfD is poised for power – and split on whether to cozy up to Trump
   7. The Guardian — All eyes on Saxony-Anhalt – what will AfD do if it wins German state poll?
   8. Los Angeles Times — Trumpism’s shadow looms over German election as far right eyes historic power
   9. The Times of Israel — German far-right AfD party’s projected win puts Jews between the left and a hard place
   10. The Economist — Germany needs a new strategy for coping with the AfD
   confidence 80%