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.

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

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.

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,

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

The victory of a far-right party in a German state election has raised alarm across Europe. Many fear it heralds the demise of an anti-fascist consensus dating back to the defeat of the Nazis.