Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has celebrated what it called a 'historic' success in eastern Germany, with preliminary results showing almost 44% of the vote, but the party did not secure a majority.
Key facts
- The AfD hailed a 'historic' success in eastern Germany.
- Preliminary results showed the party winning almost 44% of the vote.
- Despite the large margin, the AfD fell short of an outright majority.
- The result was reported by the BBC.
Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has declared a major electoral victory in the east of the country, describing the result as ‘historic’, according to the BBC.
Preliminary results cited by the BBC showed the party securing almost 44% of the vote, giving it a wide margin over its rivals in the contest.
Despite the strength of that showing, the AfD fell short of winning an outright majority, meaning the result, while significant, does not on its own hand the party unchallenged control.
The BBC reported that the party framed the outcome as a landmark moment, reflecting its continued growth in support across eastern Germany.
The figures released so far are preliminary, and final results may adjust the precise share of the vote recorded by the party and its competitors.
Why it matters
The AfD's strong performance signals the continued rise of far-right politics in eastern Germany, a trend closely watched across Europe. Falling short of a majority, however, means the party still faces limits on translating votes into unchallenged political power.
Frequently asked questions
How much of the vote did the AfD win?
Preliminary results reported by the BBC showed the AfD winning almost 44% of the vote.
Did the AfD win a majority?
No. Despite its large margin of victory, the party fell short of an outright majority.
How did the AfD describe the result?
The party hailed the outcome as a 'historic' success, according to the BBC.