AfD's state election win marks far-right shift in Germany

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won its best-ever state election result in Saxony-Anhalt, securing about 44% of the vote and 39 of 83 seats, more than doubling its previous support. The result is a major setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU, which won only 17.2% and 15 seats. The AfD's victory has reignited debate over far-right politics in Europe, with the party now leading national polls at around 28% support. The CDU's strategy of adopting tougher rhetoric on immigration appears to have legitimized the AfD's narrative rather than weakened it. The result is likely to embolden far-right parties across Europe ahead of elections in several countries. The AfD's policies, including deportations and closer ties with Russia, could complicate German foreign policy and European integration, with Polish officials warning of security risks.