Far-right AfD scores record win in German state election

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt with a record 44.4% of the vote, according to an exit poll released by public broadcaster ARD.

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by incumbent state leader Sven Schulze, suffered a heavy blow, plunging to 18.4%, down from 37.1% in 2021, the poll showed.

The Left party came in third with 9.3%, followed by the Greens with 8.7% and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) with 8.4%.

The newly formed Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) hovered right on the 5% threshold to enter the state parliament, while the business-friendly Free Democratic Party (FDP) crashed out with just 2.2%.

Conceding defeat, Schulze acknowledged the AfD's clear victory, while urging political leaders across Germany to heed the message sent by voters.

In Berlin, head of the Chancellery Nina Warken called the election outcome a "watershed moment" for the CDU, describing it on broadcaster ZDF as a "very, very difficult result." Warken also insisted that the federal government would resolutely press ahead with its planned reform agenda.

In the 83-seat state parliament, the AfD is projected to secure 39 seats, three seats shy of an absolute majority needed to govern alone.

The AfD's 35-year-old state lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund hailed the result, declaring that "the people have sent a clear signal." Speaking to ARD, Siegmund also signaled a shift from his pre-election stance of only seeking office through an absolute majority, noting that his party is now open to a coalition.

However, all other mainstream parties have repeatedly ruled out entering a coalition with the AfD.

It remains unclear how a viable state government will be formed.