Germany's Far-Right AfD Wins Landmark State Election in Saxony-Anhalt

Germany's far-right AfD party is projected to win a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, potentially securing its first state government. Exit polls show AfD leading with 44.5% of the vote. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives trail at 18.5%, while center-left Social Democrats and Greens cleared the parliamentary threshold. AfD co-leader Alice Weidel called the result "historic," though coalition talks may follow if the party fails to secure a majority. Mainstream parties have vowed to exclude AfD, which is monitored for extremism, from power. The result pressures Merz amid economic struggles and raises concerns about Russia ties, immigration policy, and potential security risks in the state.