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 far-right Alternative for Germany's (AfD) Ulrich Siegmundis the ⁠most ⁠likely next leader of the eastern ⁠state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt after a historic election win. The 35-year-old former fragrance salesman has laid ​out 10 points that he would like to achieve in the first 100 days of office as part of his "Vision 2026" election ‌manifesto.

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)

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,

Iran promised to retaliate against American attacks, warning that energy companies have assets that remain “sprawling, accessible and exposed” in the region. Escalating strikes between the two countries over the weekend pushed oil prices to a six-week high earlier on Monday.

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.