The far-right AfD won a key German state election in Saxony-Anhalt but fell just short of a majority, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling the result a 'shock' that will have repercussions across Germany.
Key facts
- The far-right AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt but fell just short of a majority.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the vote a 'shock' and said it 'cannot simply be moved past.'
- AfD figure Tino Chrupalla said the party has 'a clear mandate' to rule in the state.
- Chrupalla said voters are 'fed up' with billions in tax money being transferred to Ukraine.
- Merz warned the result 'will have repercussions' across the country.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won a key state election in Saxony-Anhalt, though it fell just short of an outright majority, according to the Guardian. The result prompted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to describe the outcome as a ‘shock.’
Merz said the vote for the far-right party ‘will have repercussions’ across the country. He framed the result as significant beyond the state itself, saying it ‘is an election result we cannot simply move past.’
The AfD’s Tino Chrupalla said the German public wants to see a change in direction. He stated that the electorate is ‘fed up,’ pointing specifically to the government’s spending priorities.
Chrupalla criticised the government for what he described as ‘transferring billions of our tax money to Ukraine … instead of using it for our own population.’ He argued that voters wanted those resources directed toward domestic needs.
Chrupalla said the party has ‘a clear mandate’ to rule in Saxony-Anhalt. He added that the AfD would hold discussions with others about what can be done following the vote.
The AfD stopped short of securing an outright majority in the state.
Why it matters
The AfD's strong showing in a state election signals rising support for the far-right in parts of Germany and poses a challenge for the mainstream parties. Chancellor Merz's warning of nationwide repercussions suggests the result could shape federal politics and debates over issues such as support for Ukraine.
Frequently asked questions
Did the AfD win a majority in Saxony-Anhalt?
No. According to the Guardian, the AfD won the state election but fell just short of an outright majority.
How did Chancellor Merz respond to the result?
Merz called the outcome a 'shock,' said it 'cannot simply be moved past,' and warned it 'will have repercussions' across the country.
What reasons did the AfD give for its success?
Co-leader Tino Chrupalla said voters are 'fed up' and criticised the government for 'transferring billions of our tax money to Ukraine' instead of spending on the domestic population.