AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt state election but lacks majority

Germany's far-right AfD party won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt with 43.8 percent of the vote, but failed to secure an outright majority, according to the local electoral authority. The result marks a historic high for AfD in the state, surpassing its previous performance. The party won 39 of 83 parliamentary seats, leaving it short of the 42 needed for a majority. Other parties have ruled out cooperation with AfD, potentially complicating government formation. The election saw record turnout of 65.3 percent, up from 60.3 percent in 2021.