Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt delivered a historic victory for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), prompting a starkly divided response across Europe. The result has laid bare the widening rift between the continent's mainstream establishment and its increasingly assertive populist movements.
The AfD captured 43.8% of the vote in the eastern state of roughly 2.1 million people, more than double its share five years ago. The party's lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, framed the outcome as a clear mandate, while co-leader Alice Weidel declared that "we have received a very clear mandate to govern here."
The centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led nationally by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, suffered a heavy defeat, polling just 17.2% — roughly half its previous support — and winning 15 seats. The centre-left Social Democrats took 9.3%, the Greens 8.9%, and the Left Party 8.6%, each securing eight seats.
In Berlin, the result was a direct blow to Chancellor Merz, who observed the count from CDU headquarters without addressing the public. General secretary Franziska Hoppermann called it "a very difficult result for us," while state premier Sven Schulze offered only muted congratulations to the AfD.
A proxy battle for Europe
The reactions from across the continent underscored how a single regional vote in Germany has become a proxy for broader European tensions. In Warsaw, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk was blunt, writing on X that "only idiots or traitors can rejoice at the triumph of the AfD," and naming members of the Konfederacja and PiS parties among those he considered culpable.
Elsewhere, Europe's populist right treated the result as validation. Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini declared that "another Europe is possible," while Spain's Vox leader Santiago Abascal called the outcome "a great hope for Germany and for Europe." Portugal's André Ventura hailed the AfD's "historic" victory, linking it to public anger over immigration.
Weidel, speaking to reporters, framed the party's platform in stark terms: "We ran on a clear platform of representing the interests of our country, not those of Ukraine or any other country." She promised to "cut all unnecessary spending," "control our borders," and "deport all those required to leave the country and all criminals." She also predicted early federal elections, saying she expected the current chancellor to be replaced before Christmas.
Siegmund took a personal jab at Merz, saying "a very good campaigner for us in this election campaign was Friedrich Merz. Every day this man is in the chancellery is one too many."
The result comes as Germany prepares for a series of further state elections this month, with the AfD hoping to build on its momentum. The party's success in Saxony-Anhalt, a region that has become a stronghold for the far right, is likely to intensify debates over migration, security, and Germany's role in Europe.
For mainstream leaders across the EU, the outcome is a warning sign. The AfD's gains reflect broader discontent with established parties and the perceived failures of the political centre. As the party's rise continues, the question of how to respond — whether through engagement or isolation — will shape European politics in the months ahead.
The split reactions also highlight the challenge for Brussels, where the rise of nationalist parties threatens to complicate decision-making on issues ranging from climate policy to support for Ukraine. With the war in Ukraine continuing to strain European unity, the AfD's overtly anti-Ukraine stance adds another layer of tension.
As Europe watches, the Saxony-Anhalt result serves as a reminder that the continent's political landscape is shifting. Whether this marks a permanent realignment or a temporary protest vote remains to be seen, but the immediate consequences are clear: the AfD is now a force that cannot be ignored, and its influence is likely to be felt far beyond the borders of one German state.
