AfD leads Saxony-Anhalt election in early results
A potential victory would put Germany’s far-right party within reach of its first regional government since the Second World War.
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany appeared to be the leading party in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, according to early results reported by France 24 International.
The result could mark a major breakthrough for the AfD. If it forms a government, it would lead Germany’s first regional government headed by a far-right party since the end of the Second World War.
The AfD had been polling at about 40 per cent or more before the vote, although those estimates did not determine the final result. Early figures may change as counting continues, and it remains unclear whether the party can secure an outright majority.
Germany’s proportional electoral system generally makes single-party majorities difficult. If the AfD falls short, coalition negotiations could be required and may take weeks.
Mainstream German parties have a longstanding policy of refusing to co-operate with the AfD, leaving the formation of any government dependent on the final result and the political response that follows.
