AfD's rise in German state vote fuels debate over far right's momentum in Europe
Germany's far-right AfD party came out on top in exit polls for Sunday's Saxony-Anhalt state election, putting it closer to power at the regional level than any far-right party since World War Two. The result is drawing attention across Europe, including in France, where far-right figure Marine Le Pen could contend for the presidency next year.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party surged to first place in Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt, according to exit polls. The outcome puts a far-right party on the verge of power at the state level for the first time since World War Two.
The result has attracted significant attention across Europe. It is being closely watched in France in particular, where national elections are due next year and could see far-right veteran politician Marine Le Pen elected president.
The strong showing in Saxony-Anhalt is seen as a notable milestone, marking the closest a far-right party has come to regional power in Germany since the end of the war. The development has intensified discussion about the growing influence of far-right movements across Europe, including whether similar political shifts could take hold in other countries such as France.
