46 minutes ago Katya Adler Europe editor Reuters AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund says the party has won a clear mandate to govern 'Seismic', 'a socio-political earthquake', 'a watershed moment for Germany'. This was how political analysts and many media outlets described the stunning victory of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in local elections in Germany on Sunday.
Saxony-Anhalt is one of Germany's smallest but politically significant regions, with a population of 1.7 million out of 59 million eligible voters nationwide. Despite the AfD narrowly failing to win an outright majority, its landslide victory in Saxony-Anhalt has significant national implications. The vote impacts Germany’s centrist coalition government, which is already under pressure, and could be the nail in the coffin for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had promised to reduce the AfD’s influence.
The AfD’s success reflects broader political shifts in Germany, where the party’s anti-immigration and nationalist message resonates deeply. This is the first major electoral landslide for a hard-right nationalist party since the fall of the Third Reich. The German authorities classify the AfD as anti-democratic and extremist, particularly in regions like Saxony-Anhalt.
The AfD’s popularity extends beyond eastern Germany, where it has long been strong, to become the largest party nationwide. The party’s message—anti-immigration, anti-woke, and a return to "Germany for Germans"—echoes Trump’s MAGA rhetoric, though Trump is rarely mentioned in European campaigns. The AfD’s pro-Russia stance contrasts with Germany’s support for Ukraine, where the AfD wants to halt military aid, lift sanctions, and resume Russian energy imports—a move that could benefit energy-hungry German industry.
The Saxony-Anhalt result has sparked soul-searching in Germany, particularly regarding the Nazi past. The AfD’s rise also worries the European Union, which fears the spread of nationalist parties across its member states. With major elections in France, Italy, Spain, and Poland approaching, Brussels is concerned about further fragmentation in European politics.
The AfD’s slogan in Saxony-Anhalt, 'Anything is Possible!', reflects a growing willingness among voters to support the party, despite its controversial policies. The election underscores the deep dissatisfaction among voters with traditional political parties, who feel abandoned by institutions like the judiciary and security services. Voters are increasingly focused on immigration, national security, and economic stability, making the AfD’s message resonate strongly.
Source: BBC
