Far-right AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt alarms France, divides Europe
France expressed alarm over the far-right AfD's historic regional election victory in Saxony-Anhalt, calling it a "very worrying sign," while European far-right leaders celebrated the populist advance. The AfD won 43.8% of the vote, becoming the largest party in the region. French ministers Roland Lescure and Benjamin Haddad warned of a growing populist wave in Europe, with Haddad calling it a "very serious moment" and stating nationalism and xenophobia are never the answer. Italian Deputy PM Matteo Salvini praised the result, while Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez said it confirms the far-right is gaining ground. The CDU under Chancellor Friedrich Merz fell to 17.2%. All mainstream parties refuse to form a coalition with the AfD, but the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, which won seats, has not ruled out cooperation, potentially enabling a minority government. Elon Musk also congratulated the AfD on X.