German far-right wins state vote but falls short of majority

The far-right Alternative for Germany won a state election, renewing concerns about far-right gains across Europe, though it fell short of an absolute majority needed to form the first far-right state government since the Nazi era. Far-right leaders across the continent celebrated the result. Far-right parties have seen mixed fortunes, including Giorgia Meloni's rise to Italian prime minister with a moderate turn, and setbacks such as Viktor Orbán's landslide loss in Hungary and Geert Wilders' coalition collapse in the Netherlands. Reform UK has grown in influence but recently lost special elections. Next year's elections in France and Spain are seen as key tests, with Marine Le Pen leading in France and Spain's Vox party poised to gain. Analysts note these parties are "mortal" but not always chaotic when in power.