Germany's political landscape shifted this weekend as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured a historic victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. The result, which marks the first time the party has won a state election in Germany, has sent ripples through Berlin and Brussels, raising questions about the country's political future and the broader European balance.
Laura Fleischmann, reporting from Berlin, noted that the AfD's success in Saxony-Anhalt is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a wider trend in eastern Germany, where frustration with established parties and economic stagnation has fueled support for the far right. The party's candidate, Siegmund, campaigned on a platform of stricter immigration controls and a more assertive national identity, resonating with voters who feel left behind by globalization.
The result has been met with alarm in the German capital, where mainstream parties have long maintained a cordon sanitaire against the far right. Stefan Grobe spoke with Günter Krings, a member of the Bundestag from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who warned that the AfD's rise is a symptom of deeper societal divisions. "We must address the legitimate concerns of citizens without abandoning our democratic values," Krings said, adding that the CDU needs to reconnect with voters in the east.
The AfD's victory in Saxony-Anhalt is part of a broader pattern of far-right gains across Europe, from France to Italy. As ties between far-right leaders deepen, the mainstream's ability to counter this trend will be tested. The outcome in Saxony-Anhalt could also influence national politics, with federal elections due next year.
Serbia's EU bid under strain
In a separate but equally significant development, Serbia faced a test of its European aspirations as convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić was buried in Belgrade. The funeral, which drew thousands of mourners, took place despite explicit warnings from the European Union that any glorification of Mladić could jeopardize Serbia's accession talks.
Mladić, who was found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, remains a polarizing figure in the Balkans. For many Serbs, he is a hero; for others, a symbol of the atrocities committed during the 1990s wars. The EU had cautioned that the funeral could derail Serbia's bid to join the bloc, as the EU warned Serbia that Mladić's funeral could derail accession talks.
Mared Gwyn, reporting from Belgrade, observed that the funeral was attended by thousands, but notably no state honors were given, a sign of the delicate balancing act the Serbian government is performing. The event has reignited debates about Serbia's commitment to European values, with critics arguing that the country cannot join the EU while honoring a convicted war criminal.
The Serbian government has defended its decision to allow the funeral, citing freedom of expression and the need to heal national wounds. However, EU officials have made it clear that such actions are incompatible with the bloc's fundamental principles. The incident is likely to complicate Serbia's already slow progress in accession negotiations.
Meanwhile, in other news, Sasha Vakulina reported on talks between US peace envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The discussions, which focused on ending the war with Russia, produced no major breakthroughs, leaving the conflict in a precarious stalemate.
In an interview with Christophe Hansen, the European Commissioner for Agriculture, the focus was on the future of farming in Europe. Hansen emphasized the need for sustainable practices and the importance of supporting rural communities, issues that are also central to the far-right's appeal in regions like Saxony-Anhalt.
As Europe grapples with these challenges, the outcomes in Germany and Serbia will be closely watched. The AfD's rise and Serbia's handling of the Mladić funeral are reminders that the continent's political and moral foundations are still being tested.
