Germany’s far-right AfD nears power after historic state election win

Germany's far-right party AfD achieved a historic result in the September 6 state election in Saxony-Anhalt, winning 43.8% of the vote and 39 of 83 parliamentary seats, just three seats short of an absolute majority. The party now has a chance to lead a state government for the first time since World War II, a prospect Chancellor Friedrich Merz called a "tectonic shift" in the country's party system. The AfD's surge delivered a devastating blow to Merz's CDU, which fell from 37.1% in 2021 to 17.2% after governing the state for 24 years. The party's success stems from economic grievances in the former East Germany, where wages remain about 15% lower than in the west, frustration with migration policy, and nostalgia for Soviet-era ties. The AfD's Saxony-Anhalt branch is classified as right-wing extremist by German intelligence, with some members maintaining pro-Russian connections, including visits to Moscow and attendance at events at Russia's Berlin embassy. For Ukraine, the AfD's rise poses a direct threat, as the party opposes military aid to Kyiv, advocates lifting sanctions, and wants to restore energy ties with Moscow. The party also seeks to revoke the special status of Ukrainian refugees. Analysts warn that growing pressure on Merz could weaken Germany's support for Ukraine, while Russia benefits from political chaos that undermines Europe's ability to maintain a coherent policy of containing Moscow.