Germany’s far-right win sparks European alarm, but gains are uneven

The far-right Alternative for Germany party won a state election for the first time, raising alarm across Europe about the rise of anti-immigrant, pro-Russian parties amid voter discontent over crises like affordability and trade disputes. The AfD fell short of an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt, though it may still form the first far-right state government since the Nazi era. Far-right leaders across Europe celebrated, while some parties have faced reversals or softened views to join coalitions with moderates. Recent far-right gains include Italy’s Giorgia Meloni, who moderated in office, and parties joining governments in Finland, Croatia, and Slovakia. However, setbacks occurred in Hungary and the Netherlands, with upcoming elections in France and Spain seen as key tests.