The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a landslide victory in a major German state election amid speculation over whether AfD can form a local government.
Foreign news agencies report that preliminary projections show the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won a major victory in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, decisively outpacing the ruling party, marking a new chapter in German politics since World War II.
Voter turnout for this election reached about 78%, with initial projections indicating AfD secured a record-high 44% of the vote, while the conservative CDU came in second with only 17.8%.
Ulrich Seikmunt, AfD leader in Saxony-Anhalt, declared victory and said this signals a message to the entire country.
This election is seen as a major political gamble for Germany, as the far-right party has succeeded in forming a state government, gaining authority over local police, education, and cultural affairs.
However, other major political parties continue to refuse coalitions with AfD to block far-right access to power, forming what is called a “firewall alliance” (Brandmauer).
AfD’s ability to hold a majority in Saxony-Anhalt depends on whether the left-wing populist party (BSW) surpasses the 5% threshold to enter the state parliament; if BSW fails, AfD's chance of a majority without coalition partners rises.
U.S. President Donald Trump posted the election results on Truth Social in support of AfD, while Kirill Dmitriev, Russia’s envoy, praised it as a historic victory for a party focused on truth.
One reason German parties try to prevent AfD from gaining power is its policy to reopen Germany’s doors to Russia after relations deteriorated since the Ukraine war erupted. Additionally, the far-right party strongly opposes immigration and proposes deportation policies.
Charlotte Noblock, a 93-year-old Jewish community leader and Holocaust survivor, expressed fear over the election results and warned mainstream parties not to let the country decline.
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Source:BBC