Far-right gains in Germany raise concerns ahead of European votes

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's success in regional elections is raising concerns about a broader rise of right-wing forces across Europe, with upcoming votes in Sweden, France, and other nations seen as key tests. The Kremlin praised the AfD's victory as "historic," while Italy's La Stampa newspaper notes the party's stance on Moscow will be decisive in evaluating the right's ascent. Germany faces regional elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin on September 20, but Sweden votes first on September 13, where the Sweden Democrats could join a government. France's presidential election is set for April 18, 2027, with Marine Le Pen's National Rally expected to reach the second round. Finland, Spain, and Poland also have upcoming elections where far-right parties are gaining ground, including pro-Russian factions in Poland.