German Far-Right Seeks Allies to Form State Government After Election Win

Germany's far-right AfD won Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt but fell short of an absolute majority, now needing support from other parties to form a government. Party leader Ulrich Siegmund is seeking defectors or an agreement with the small far-left BSW party. Siegmund, expected to become state premier, is in talks with the BSW and individual members of other parties to secure a stable majority. The BSW won five seats but refuses a formal coalition or an AfD premier, while mainstream parties maintain a "firewall" against the far-right. The AfD, Germany's most popular party nationally, advocates restricting immigration, restoring ties with Russia, cutting Ukraine support, and quitting the euro. If no deal emerges, Siegmund may try to persuade CDU members to defect or call a new election.