The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surged to first place in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, winning 44% of the vote. But the anti-immigrant, pro-Russian party fell three seats short of an absolute majority,

By Miranda Murray and Andreas Rinke BERLIN, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Chancellor Friedrich Merz ruled out working with the Alternative for Germany on Monday after the far-right party surged into first place in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt,

The "extraordinary" result may be the "most consequential German state-election result of the postwar era," according to analysts.

Alternative for Germany failed to secure an absolute majority in the state legislature to govern alone and overcome the so-called firewall of mainstream parties' refusal to work with AfD.

A political earthquake is brewing in Germany's east as working-class and young voters appear set to deliver an unprecedented victory for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in Sunday’s state elections in Saxony-Anhalt.

MAGDEBURG, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 5: AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party, speaks to supporters during the final campaign rally on the eve of state elections in Saxony-Anhalt on September 5, 2026 in Magdeburg, Germany. (Photo by Jens Schlueter/Getty Images)

Alternative for Germany projected to secure more than 44 per cent of Saxony-Anhalt vote in a big electoral setback for established political parties

A day after the far-right Alternative for Germany's (AfD) victory in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, thousands protested in Berlin over the party's stance on LGBTQ rights and immigration. Meanwhile, AfD leaders celebrated the win,