World reacts to AfD victory in east Germany state election
The far-right Alternative for Germany party secured victory in eastern Germany by winning Saxony-Anhalt with around 44 percent of the vote. Turnout reached a record 80 percent, far outpacing the Christian Democratic Union at 18.5 percent. Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund called the result historic, while co-leader Alice Weidel promised explosive growth across the country. The outcome poses a severe challenge for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his party, whose vote share has roughly halved since 2021. Meanwhile, representatives of Germany migrant communities are demanding concrete government protection plans for minorities.
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- ✓ The far-right Alternative for Germany party won Saxony-Anhalt with around 44 percent of the vote.
- ✓ Turnout reached a record 80 percent in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
- ✓ The Christian Democratic Union secured 18.5 percent of the vote.
- ✓ Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund called the victory history, and co-leader Alice Weidel promised explosive growth across Germany.
What changed
WION and Yahoo reported that the AfD won around 44 percent of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, following previous reporting that the party secured control of the state parliament and elected Tobias Rausch as speaker.
Live updates
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German Far-Right AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt State Election
The far-right Alternative for Germany party secured victory in eastern Germany by winning Saxony-Anhalt with around 44 percent of the vote. Turnout reached a record 80 percent, far outpacing the Christian Democratic Union at 18.5 percent. Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund called the result historic, while co-leader Alice Weidel promised explosive growth across the country. The outcome poses a severe challenge for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his party, whose vote share has roughly halved since 2021. Meanwhile, representatives of Germany migrant communities are demanding concrete government protection plans for minorities.
Why it matters
This victory marks the first time the far-right party has taken the top spot in a German state election, potentially positioning it to govern a German state for the first time since World War II. The result delivers a fresh blow to Chancellor Friedrich Merz following previous electoral setbacks. Migrant and minority groups have expressed deep alarm, pressing officials for actionable security measures.
What is confirmed
- The far-right Alternative for Germany party won Saxony-Anhalt with around 44 percent of the vote.
- Turnout reached a record 80 percent in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
- The Christian Democratic Union secured 18.5 percent of the vote.
- Lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund called the victory history, and co-leader Alice Weidel promised explosive growth across Germany.
- Representatives of Germany migrant communities have called on the government for a concrete plan to protect minorities.
Still unconfirmed
- The party is positioned to become the first far-right party to govern a German state since World War II.
What to watch next
- Whether the AfD successfully forms its first state government in Saxony-Anhalt
- Federal government responses and protection plans from German authorities regarding migrant communities
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
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AfD Takes Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament Control
The Alternative for Germany party has secured control of a state parliament for the first time in its history following a victory in Saxony-Anhalt. Tobias Rausch of the AfD was elected speaker of the state parliament, which immediately triggered public protests and criticism. Despite capturing the legislative post, the party continues to encounter significant political opposition as it struggles to establish its first state government.
Why it matters
The Alternative for Germany party has achieved a milestone by taking control of a regional parliament in Saxony-Anhalt. The election of Tobias Rausch as speaker has intensified political tensions in the region. Opposition from other political factions continues to block the party from forming a state government.
What is confirmed
- The Alternative for Germany party took control of a state parliament for the first time in its history in Saxony-Anhalt.
- Tobias Rausch of the AfD was elected speaker of the state parliament.
What to watch next
- Efforts by the AfD to form its first state government amid ongoing political opposition
- Further political developments and protests regarding the legislative leadership in Saxony-Anhalt
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- www.bbc.com — World | Latest News & Updates | BBC News
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Germany's AfD party takes control of state parliament
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has taken control of a state parliament for the first time in its history, following a historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt. Tobias Rausch of the AfD was elected speaker of the state parliament, sparking protests and criticism. The party continues to struggle to form its first state government due to political opposition.
Why it matters
The AfD's victory in Saxony-Anhalt is seen as a significant development in German politics, with the party's rise to power potentially impacting the country's conservative landscape. The speaker's role is largely symbolic, but the outcome has been met with intense outrage from left-wing parties. The AfD's success has also raised concerns about the party's growing influence and its stance on EU policies.
What is confirmed
- The AfD has taken control of a state parliament for the first time in its history
- Tobias Rausch of the AfD was elected speaker of Saxony-Anhalt's state parliament
- The speaker's role remains largely symbolic
Still unconfirmed
- The AfD is planning to water down its promise to bring back the Deutschmark
What to watch next
- The AfD's efforts to form its first state government
- The party's stance on EU policies
- The impact of the AfD's victory on German politics
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- transcripts.cnn.com — Unprecedented Student Protests Are Rocking France; Spanish Lawmakers to Hold Key Vote on Housing Crisis; ....
- www.breitbart.com — Germany's AfD Takes Control of First State Parliament in Party History
- www.dw.com — AfD lawmaker elected speaker in Saxony-Anhalt - dw.com
- unherd.com — AfD is moving closer to power by softening EU stance - UnHerd
- www.spectator.com.au — Why Germany’s AfD keeps winning | The Spectator Australia
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German Far-Right AfD Lawmaker Elected Regional Parliament Speaker
Tobias Rausch of the far-right Alternative for Germany secured the presidency of the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament, marking the first time a far-right speaker has been elected to a German regional legislature since the war. The development follows an election breakthrough for the party in the eastern state. While opponents described the outcome as a watershed moment and left-wing parties voiced intense outrage, the speaker's role remains largely symbolic. Meanwhile, the party continues to struggle to form its first state government due to political opposition.
Why it matters
The election result in Saxony-Anhalt has alarmed security agencies and political opponents concerned about information leaks and governance risks. Although the AfD won the state election, forming a governing coalition has proven difficult against entrenched political resistance. Federal jurisdiction also dictates immigration policy, leaving limits on local implementation unclear.
What is confirmed
- Tobias Rausch of the Alternative for Germany secured the role of president in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament.
- Left-wing parties voiced outrage, describing the election of the far-right speaker as an absolute disgrace.
- Opponents characterized the result as a watershed moment, noting that the speaker's role is largely symbolic.
Still unconfirmed
- The Alternative for Germany is struggling to form its first state government amid political opposition.
What to watch next
- Whether the Alternative for Germany successfully forms a state government in Saxony-Anhalt
- Further political reactions from federal and regional lawmakers to the parliamentary speaker election
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.theguardian.com — State parliament elects Germany’s first far-right speaker ...
- www.bbc.co.uk — AfD candidate elected speaker of German regional parliament for first time - BBC
- www.wsws.org — The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei election result in the Berlin state election - World Socialist Web S....
- www.straitstimes.com — Germany’s far-right AfD struggles to form first state ...
- www.yahoo.com — 'Absolute disgrace:' German left outraged as AfD state ...
- www.globalbankingandfinance.com — AfD Fails to Secure First State Government After Saxony ...
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German Security Agencies Face Risks After Far-Right Victory
German security agencies now face new risks, including concerns over information leaks and governance, following state election victories by far-right and far-left parties. Berlin finalized the results of the landmark Saxony-Anhalt state election on 7 September 2026, dealing a severe blow to the country. Meanwhile, online claims alleging the European Union plans to freeze funds intended for Saxony-Anhalt lack evidence. It remains unclear how much the Alternative for Germany could implement local immigration policies given federal jurisdiction.
Why it matters
The far-right Alternative for Germany achieved its largest electoral success since World War II in the Saxony-Anhalt regional vote. This outcome pushes the anti-immigrant and Russia-friendly party to the cusp of genuine power for the first time. The regional upheaval threatens to weigh on Europe's future and weakens the influence of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The party's national platform includes heavy immigration restrictions, restoring ties with Russia, cutting support to Ukraine, and quitting the euro.
What is confirmed
- Berlin finalised the results of a landmark state election in Saxony-Anhalt on 7 September 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- Claims circulating online allege that the EU is threatening to block funds intended for the German state of Saxony-Anhalt.
- German security agencies face risks of information leaks and governance challenges after far-right and far-left party victories.
What to watch next
- Decisions by the European Union regarding regional funding for Saxony-Anhalt.
- Actions taken by German security agencies in response to the state election outcomes.
- Implementation attempts of immigration and asylum policies by the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt.
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.globalbankingandfinance.com — German security agencies face dilemma after victories for far ...
- www.euronews.com — Is the EU planning to freeze funds to German states that voted for the AfD?
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Far-Right AfD Wins Historic State Election in Saxony-Anhalt
The far-right Alternative for Germany party achieved its largest electoral success since World War II in the Saxony-Anhalt regional vote. The outcome pushes the anti-immigrant and Russia-friendly party to the cusp of genuine power for the first time. International observers note the regional upheaval threatens to weigh on Europe's future and weakens the influence of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The party's national platform includes heavy immigration restrictions, restoring ties with Russia, cutting support to Ukraine, and quitting the euro.
Why it matters
This regional ballot represents the first of three state votes scheduled in eastern Germany, testing the expanding electoral strength of the anti-establishment party. The region features an aging population, low-income rates, and a significant migrant population. The victory provides the national frontrunner with a vital local foothold to advance its contentious policy agenda.
What is confirmed
- The Alternative for Germany party won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, 2026.
- The vote marks the first of three regional elections held in eastern Germany.
- The AfD is Germany's most popular party at the national level.
- The AfD agenda includes heavy restrictions on immigration, restoring ties with Russia, cutting support to Ukraine and quitting the euro.
Still unconfirmed
- Trump and Putin are popping champagne over the AfD victory, which will weigh on Europe's future.
What to watch next
- The upcoming regional elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin on September 20, 2026.
- Whether other mainstream parties will cooperate with the AfD or form a blocking coalition to keep them from power.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.newsweek.com — Correction policies and requests
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AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt State Election
The far-right Alternative for Germany party won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, 2026. This vote marks the first of three regional elections held in eastern Germany, followed by Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin on September 20. Saxony-Anhalt has a population of 2.14 million, featuring 1.7 million eligible voters, low-income rates, and an ageing population. The region was previously governed by a coalition of CDU, FDP, and SPD under Minister-President Sven Schulze, who succeeded Rainer Haseloff at the beginning of the year. Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk reported that approximately 193,000 migrants lived in the region at the end of 2025.
Why it matters
The electoral victory in Saxony-Anhalt forms part of a series of regional votes across eastern Germany that includes Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin. The rise of the far-right party has triggered widespread alarm internationally, drawing reactions from the MAGA movement in the United States and creating unease among other far-right political parties in Europe. These regional shifts reflect underlying demographic challenges and economic strains in eastern German states.
What is confirmed
- The Alternative for Germany party won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 6, 2026.
- Saxony-Anhalt is home to 2.14 million people, which includes 1.7 million eligible voters.
- Approximately 193,000 migrants lived in Saxony-Anhalt at the end of 2025 according to figures by Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk.
- A coalition of CDU, FDP and SPD previously governed Saxony-Anhalt with Sven Schulze as Minister-President.
Still unconfirmed
- The MAGA movement celebrated the Alternative for Germany victory, highlighting growing links between Donald Trump's political movement and Germany's far right.
What to watch next
- Government coalition formation talks in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Official policy responses from Chancellor Friedrich Merz and mainstream parties
- Further international reactions from European political groups regarding the far-right electoral gains
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- roarnews.co.uk — What the AfD's Rise in Eastern Germany Means: An Analysis of Recent Elections - Roar News
- www.wionews.com — MAGA rejoices as far-right AfD wins in Germany for ... - WION
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Germany's far-right AfD wins eastern state election
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has won the largest share of votes in the eastern state election of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Despite this, the AfD is likely to struggle to form a government without an outright majority. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's future is uncertain after labeling the election results a disaster. The outcome has raised concerns about the safety of Jewish life in Germany.
Why it matters
The election results have significant implications for Germany's politics and society. The AfD's rise is seen as a challenge to the country's mainstream parties. The outcome may also impact Chancellor Merz's leadership and the government's stance on issues like immigration and antisemitism. The election results come amid concerns about the far-right's growing influence in Germany.
What is confirmed
- The AfD won the largest share of votes in the eastern state election of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
- The AfD is likely to struggle to form a government without an outright majority in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz labeled the election results a disaster.
- Merz's future as Chancellor is now uncertain.
- The far-left Die Linke party won the Berlin municipal elections.
Still unconfirmed
- Merz warned that Jewish life in Germany "is no longer safe".
What to watch next
- The formation of a government in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Chancellor Merz's leadership and potential changes to his cabinet
- The impact of the election results on Germany's stance on immigration and antisemitism
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.cnn.com — Is Germany’s leader Friedrich Merz doomed as far right wins again?
- www.jta.org — Germany’s far-right victory in eastern state election portends ‘disaster’ for centrists - Jewish Te....
- www.yahoo.com — Far-left leader pushing to lead Berlin says city has voted for change
- www.straitstimes.com — Far-left leader pushing to lead Berlin says city has voted for change
- www.journalofdemocracy.org — Why Germany’s Mainstream Parties Have Lost Their Way | Journal of Democracy
- www.jta.org — Merz warns that Jews are not safe in Germany, as voters choose parties linked to antisemitism - Jewish Te....
- www.peoplesworld.org — Tale of two elections: Fascism and socialism battle for Germany’s future – People's World
- www.deccanchronicle.com — Shifting Tides: AfD’s Rise Versus British Political Counter-currents
- www.sajr.co.za — Merz warns that Jews are not safe in Germany, as voters choose parties linked to antisemitism
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No new data on AfD election reactions
Current reports provide no additional information regarding the international reaction to the AfD victory in east Germany or the status of Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Previous updates established that Merz labeled the election results a disaster and declined to resign despite CDU losses and AfD gains in the northeast. The latest available source material consists of a socialist magazine description and a news ticker regarding Ukrainian security warnings, neither of which contain data on German state elections.
Why it matters
The AfD victory in northeast Germany creates a political divide between the east and west of the country. This shift pressures the federal government and the CDU to redefine their strategies against far-right growth.
What to watch next
- Official statements from foreign governments on the AfD victory
- Merz's next legislative move to address CDU losses
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
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Chancellor Merz labels state election results a disaster as far-right surges
Chancellor Friedrich Merz described recent state election results as a disaster after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won in northeast Germany and his own Christian Democratic Union (CDU) lost ground. The AfD surged in the northeast while far-left parties won the Berlin state election. Despite crashing out of the state parliament in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and facing pressure from both the left and right, Merz refuses to resign from office.
Why it matters
These losses occur amid ongoing disputes over Russian energy policies and military aid to Ukraine. Analysts previously linked the AfD rise to Russian strategic pressure against NATO.
What is confirmed
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the state election results a disaster.
- The Alternative for Germany won the state election in northeast Germany.
- Friedrich Merz refuses to resign from office.
Still unconfirmed
- Far-left parties won the Berlin state election.
- The CDU crashed out of the state parliament in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
What to watch next
- Official certification of the Berlin state election results
- Statements from the AfD regarding coalition possibilities
- Further resignation calls for Chancellor Merz
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.kcra.com — German chancellor calls state elections results a ‘disaster’ as far right surges again
- www.atalayar.com — Merz suffers another “disaster” in Germany, but refuses to resign
- dailyasianage.com — Far left wins Berlin state election, far-right AfD in Germany's northeast
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Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces instability after AfD regional wins
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing increased political instability following a far-right Alternative for Germany victory in a regional election. Voters are casting ballots in two additional state elections on Sunday, September 20, which analysts suggest may further weaken Merz's position. This political volatility occurs as Germany manages internal disputes over military aid to Ukraine and Russian energy policies, while external analysts link the AfD's rise to a broader pattern of Russian strategic pressure against NATO vulnerabilities.
Why it matters
The AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt has already created friction within the German government. Merz previously noted that Moscow would view these far-right gains favorably. This internal instability complicates Germany's role in supporting Ukraine.
What is confirmed
- The Alternative for Germany party won a regional election this month.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz is under pressure regarding his future.
Still unconfirmed
- Two state elections on September 20 are likely to increase pressure on Friedrich Merz.
What to watch next
- Results of the two state elections held on September 20
- Changes to German military aid policies for Ukraine
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
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European Security Concerns Rise Following AfD Gains
Analysts warn that Russia is using sabotage, drones, cyberattacks, and psychological warfare to test NATO vulnerabilities in a conflict described as war below the threshold. This strategic pressure coincides with the Alternative for Germany party's victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously stated that Moscow would welcome the AfD win, which has increased internal German pressure regarding Russian energy policies and military aid to Ukraine.
Why it matters
The AfD victory tests postwar democratic safeguards in Germany. These results create governing coalition divisions that may impact NATO's cohesion. Moscow seeks to exploit these political fractures through hybrid warfare.
Still unconfirmed
- Carlo Masala claims Moscow intends to test NATO through sabotage, drones, cyberattacks, and psychological warfare.
What to watch next
- Outcome of talks between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and SPD leadership
- Changes to German military aid shipments to Ukraine
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (2)
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Far-Right AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt Election
The far-right Alternative for Germany party has secured a major victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, marking an ominous coup for the far right and testing postwar democratic safeguards. While the party failed to achieve a supermajority, the result is a significant step toward power. Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Moscow would celebrate the outcome and announced plans for talks with SPD leadership to address governing coalition divisions. These internal tensions involve heavy pressure regarding military aid to Ukraine and Russian energy policies.
Why it matters
The electoral breakthrough by the Alternative for Germany in Saxony-Anhalt has sparked widespread alarm across Europe. Observers view the outcome as a severe test of the nation's political defenses against extremist movements.
What is confirmed
- The far-right Alternative for Germany party secured a major victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Moscow would celebrate the outcome.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated he will hold talks with SPD leadership to address governing coalition divisions.
What to watch next
- Developments in talks between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and SPD leadership regarding coalition divisions.
- Decisions on military aid to Ukraine and Russian energy policy under coalition pressure.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
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European establishment alarmed by AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt
The far-right Alternative for Germany party has secured a major victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, sparking alarm across Europe and testing Germany's postwar democratic safeguards. While the party failed to achieve a supermajority, the result is viewed as a significant step toward power. Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Moscow would celebrate the outcome and indicated he will hold talks with SPD leadership to address governing coalition divisions and pressure regarding military aid to Ukraine and Russian energy.
Why it matters
Germany's postwar democracy was structured to prevent the return of right-wing extremism. This electoral shift threatens an anti-fascist consensus that has existed since the defeat of the Nazis.
What is confirmed
- The AfD won the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
- The election result caused alarm and shock across Europe.
- The AfD did not win a supermajority in the state election.
Still unconfirmed
- The victory heralds the demise of an anti-fascist consensus dating back to the defeat of the Nazis.
What to watch next
- Results of talks between Chancellor Merz and SPD leadership
- Changes to German military aid for Ukraine
- The next federal election vote
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
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- The New York Times — Germany’s ‘Firewall’ Against the Far Right Is Being Tested Like Never Before
- reuters.com — Far-right win leaves Germany's Merz shaken as AfD plots path to power
- www.cnn.com — The far right’s win in Germany is sending a chill through the establishment in Europe
- www.theguardian.com — Tuesday briefing: What happens next after Germany’s far-right breakthrough?
- The Guardian — ‘It breaks my heart’: far-right’s big election victory sparks dismay in German state capital
- The Guardian — Tuesday briefing: What happens next after Germany’s far-right breakthrough?
- apnews.com — German vote shows rise of far-right in Europe, but it hasn’t been a steady march
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AfD Wins Landslide Victory in Saxony-Anhalt State Election
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has won a resounding victory in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election, marking the party's strongest regional performance to date. The result represents the highest vote share any party has achieved in a regional election in ten years. While Russia praised the win and the AfD leader thanked Elon Musk, the result has caused shock within Germany and concern in France. Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated his CDU was shaken to its foundations but vowed to remain in office.
Why it matters
This victory occurs amid a period of political volatility in eastern Germany. The outcome serves as a signal to the rest of Europe regarding the rise of far-right movements. Two additional state elections are scheduled for later this month.
What is confirmed
- The AfD won a landslide victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
- The result is the highest vote share any party has secured in a regional election in the last decade.
- Friedrich Merz stated his conservative CDU was shaken to its very foundations.
- France expressed worry over the AfD victory.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia praised the AfD election win.
- The AfD leader thanked Elon Musk following the victory.
What to watch next
- Results of the two remaining state elections scheduled for September 2026.
- Official coalition negotiations or government formation efforts in Saxony-Anhalt.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (9)
- The New York Times — Far-Right Victory in German State Sends a Signal to Europe
- dw.com — Saxony-Anhalt: Germany wakes up to 'unsettling' AfD victory
- aljazeera.com — World reacts to AfD victory in east Germany state election
- The Guardian — First Thing: German far-right leader thanks Elon Musk after landmark election win praised by Russia
- Reuters — France worried by victory of far-right's AfD in German state election
- www.theguardian.com — Why is the far-right AfD’s state victory significant and what might happen next in German politics?
- www.middleeasteye.net — 'In deep shock': Germany reacts to far right's seismic win in local election
- www.theguardian.com — German chancellor vows to stay in office despite AfD triumph in state election
- apnews.com — Germans react as far-right AfD party wins a landslide in a state election
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