German election's Italian echoes: AfD's win reverberates beyond Saxony-Anhalt

The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) won a historic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on Sunday, though it lacks a governing majority and now requires coalition partners, a development with repercussions extending beyond Germany. AfD's potential path to power involves Sahra Wagenknecht's Russia-friendly BSW party, which has approved an agreement with likely governor Ulrich Siegmund. Wagenknecht, who was a guest of honor at Beppe Conte's 2024 M5S convention, has blamed NATO for the Ukraine war and advocated for negotiations, positions that drew applause from the Italian populist audience. The article draws parallels between German and Italian populist movements, noting Conte has governed with both the League and the Democratic Party, while Matteo Salvini celebrates AfD's success. It speculates on a potential populist alliance uniting M5S, AfD, the League, and Wagenknecht's party, possibly led by Roberto Vannacci.