The Far Right Had Its Biggest Electoral Win In Germany Since The Nazis. What Now?

Key Points:

• The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) won a historic 43.8% plurality in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, positioning itself to potentially lead the state government for the first time since 1945.
• Forming a government without AfD is challenging due to political divisions among other parties, with only the populist Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht showing willingness to engage or abstain, potentially clearing AfD's path to power.
• AfD's platform includes anti-immigrant policies such as ending compulsory schooling in favor of homeschooling and cutting cultural funding, which could have long-term social and economic consequences for the state.
• The election outcome has shocked local pro-democracy activists and Holocaust survivors, highlighting fears of a regression toward extremist politics reminiscent of Germany's past.
• Activists emphasize the importance of continued resistance, solidarity, and outreach, especially to younger demographics, to counter AfD's emotional populism and maintain democratic values amid growing far-right influence.