Germany's far-right AfD seeks to form first state government since 1945

Germany's far-right AfD party has initiated talks to form a state government in Saxony-Anhalt after winning Sunday's election with 43.8% of the vote, falling three seats short of an absolute majority. Regional leader Ulrich Siegmund announced negotiations have already begun. The AfD's 39 of 83 parliamentary seats leaves it needing support from other parties, with the left-wing pro-Russia BSW alliance signaling it won't block Siegmund's investiture. A third-round vote would require only a simple majority, potentially enabling Germany's first far-right state government since 1945. The result has shaken German politics, with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel challenging Chancellor Friedrich Merz to call early federal elections. Exit polls showed the AfD leading across all age groups except voters over 70, with particularly strong support among 35-59 year-olds at 53%.