Alarm in Europe after ‘neo-Nazi, pro-Putin’ party wins in Germany

Europe reacted with alarm after the Alternative for Germany, described as a “neo-Nazi and pro-Putin” party, recorded a historic result in Saxony-Anhalt. The far-right party won 43.8% of the vote, its strongest showing in the eastern German state, but did not secure the absolute majority needed to govern alone.

The result placed the AfD well ahead of the party led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which received 17.2% and finished three seats short of an outright majority. The outcome prompted concern among political leaders across Europe, who watched the rise of a party that favors normalizing relations with Moscow and ending assistance to Kyiv.

Merz responded by stressing the importance of defending Western values against Russia. The German chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to “defend our freedom also against Russia,” presenting the position as a fundamental conviction at a moment of heightened political concern.

The election result gives the AfD a powerful position in Saxony-Anhalt even though it cannot govern the region alone. Its record vote has intensified debate over Germany’s political direction and the country’s stance toward Russia and Ukraine.

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Defend our freedom also against Russia.