AfD nears victory in key German regional elections

The far-right, pro-Russian party Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading in the state parliament elections in Saxony-Anhalt with approximately 44% of the vote, potentially nearing an absolute majority and threatening significant consequences for German domestic policy and Ukraine support. The September 6 election saw record voter turnout, reaching 54.4% by 14:00, double the rate from the 2021 vote. If AfD secures a majority, local leader Ulrich Sigmund could become state premier, marking the first far-right state government since World War II and giving the party representation in the Bundesrat. AfD advocates improved relations with Russia and reduced support for Ukrainian refugees, potentially affecting the roughly 39,000 Ukrainians in the region. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is already developing alternative NATO supply routes bypassing the area, while party co-leader Alice Weidel suggested the result signals declining support for Merz's CDU.