Updated Sep 7, 2026 – 6.46pm, first published at 3.42amLondon | The hardline Alternative for Germany – also known as AfD – has thrashed its rival parties but appears to have fallen a few seats short of winning majority government in a pivotal state election that will spark fresh alarm over the populist far-right wave sweeping Europe.Ulrich Siegmund, AfD leader for the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, hailed the historic result, which will upend wider German politics and heap further pressure on unpopular Chancellor Friedrich Merz.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Far-right AfD eyes government after big German state election win
The party has performed better than expected and could become the first far-right group since the Nazis to govern in the country.
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