AfD wins Saxony-Anhalt state election, first far-right state-level victory since WWII

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt's state election on Sunday, putting it within reach of state-level power for the first time since World War Two and delivering a major defeat to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives. The result reflects deep dissatisfaction with Germany's ruling coalition, with 87% of state voters unhappy with the federal government. The AfD's agenda includes strict immigration limits, restoring ties with Russia, cutting Ukraine support, and quitting the euro, though mainstream parties have refused to cooperate with it. The AfD is already Germany's most popular party nationally at 28%, ahead of the conservatives on 20%. While short of a majority, the win signals growing support for hardline policies, with the party's lead candidate calling it a first step toward national power in 2029 federal elections.