AfD leads Saxony-Anhalt vote as path to power remains unresolved
Exit polls put the far-right party first in the eastern German state, prompting scrutiny in France ahead of next year’s national election.
The Alternative for Germany has finished first in Saxony-Anhalt’s state election, according to exit polls reported by France 24, bringing the far-right party closer to state-level power.
The result does not establish that the AfD has won a majority, formed a government or secured a route into office. Final results, the distribution of seats and coalition negotiations will determine its position in the state parliament.
The vote is being watched across Europe because it could mark the AfD’s closest approach to state government since the end of the Second World War. Whether it can enter or lead the government remains unresolved.
France 24 also reported on AfD proposals including segregated schools and citizen “watch groups”, placing the result within a broader debate over the party’s political programme and influence.
The outcome has drawn particular attention in France, where next year’s national election could see far-right veteran Marine Le Pen seek the presidency. Any effect of the German result on France’s far right remains uncertain.
