The German party hopes to make Saxony-Anhalt a showcase for its ideas on immigration, education, culture and demographics.

Alternative for Germany (AfD) may not have won the supermajority it sought in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on Sunday, but the far-right party did take another giant step toward power in a country whose postwar democracy was designed to prevent the return of right-wing extremism.

AfD Saxony-Anhalt is a racist extremist group, according to the German state's intelligence agency. The party may well trounce its rivals in this weekend's state election.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday he was "deeply shocked" after the Alternative for Germany (AfD) scored a resounding victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. The far-right party

The hosts of MS NOW's "Morning Joe" reacted Tuesday to the ongoing rise of the far-right in Germany, warning that Europe's political center has been "hollowed out" in recent years by immigration and economic issues.

Anhalt, Germans are asking whether the party is a threat to democracy or deserves a chance to lead.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz was a drag on his conservative party in its disastrous loss to the far right in a state election. He has vowed better communication, but no policy changes.

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is "very, very close" to taking power, its deputy parliamentary leader has told the BBC, after a historic victory in elections for the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.