German state election win shows far-right rise in Europe, but not a steady march

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a state election, raising fears of an ascendant far right in Europe, though the party fell short of an absolute majority needed to form the first far-right state government since the Nazi era. Far-right parties have gained influence in several governments, including Italy's Giorgia Meloni, who moderated in office, and joined coalitions in Finland, Croatia, and Slovakia. However, populists have suffered setbacks, including Viktor Orbán's landslide loss in Hungary and Geert Wilders' coalition collapse in the Netherlands. Next year's elections in France and Spain present major opportunities for the far right, with Marine Le Pen leading polls in France and the Vox party poised to gain in Spain. Analysts note these parties are "mortal" and can be defeated, but their electoral wins send a "double-edged message."