AfD’s rise shakes Germany and Europe: What it means for policy and alliances

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won about 44 percent of the vote in Sunday's Saxony-Anhalt state election, putting it close to becoming the first far-right party to lead a German state since World War II. The party's success is driven by voter concerns over the economy and immigration, and it is also leading in national polls. Germany's domestic intelligence agency has classified the Saxony-Anhalt branch as a proven right-wing extremist group, a label the AfD rejects. Chancellor Friedrich Merz insists on maintaining a "firewall" against coalition cooperation with the AfD, though the strategy's long-term viability is uncertain. The outcome raises questions about Germany's immigration policy and the country's broader role within Europe.