France Worries as Far-Right AfD Wins German State Election

French government ministers expressed alarm Monday over the far-right Alternative for Germany party's victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, calling it a worrying signal for Europe. The result marks the first time a far-right party has come within reach of state-level power in Germany since World War Two. Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the outcome demonstrates a major challenge from a global populist wave that must be resisted. European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad described the result as a grave moment for Europe, urging humility in addressing voters' anger while rejecting nationalism and xenophobia. The AfD surged to first place in Sunday's election, according to exit polls, intensifying concerns among European leaders about rising far-right influence ahead of national elections.