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,

The AfD may not end up controlling Germany's Saxony-Anhalt state despite a landslide election victory, but the far-right party's "dream result" sends a clear message.

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

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.

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.

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)

Far-right parties are gaining ground in Europe, with the National Rally in France and Reform UK leading in popularity. The AfD in Germany achieved significant electoral success, aiming for a minority government,

The premier of Germany's most populous state is calling for a ban on the Alternative for Germany (AfD) to be examined, days after the far-right earned a resounding victory in Saxony-Anhalt. Hendrik