France calls far-right victory in Germany a “grave moment for Europe”

France has described the far-right Alternative for Germany’s victory in Saxony-Anhalt as “a grave moment in Europe,” warning that the continent must not forget its history.

Benjamin Haddad, France’s minister delegate for Europe, was the first French government figure to comment. “We must listen with humility to anger, concerns and fears, and respond to them. But nationalism and xenophobia will never be a solution,” he said. Haddad added that democratic values and the European project must continue to be defended.

“We must never forget our history. That is the meaning of France and Germany’s decisions,” he wrote in a message on X.

“

We must listen with humility to anger, concerns and fears, and respond to them. But nationalism and xenophobia will never be a solution. We must never stop defending our democratic values and the European project.

Initial projections put the AfD’s vote share in the eastern German region at between 44.3% and 44.4%, bringing it close to an absolute majority. The result could open the way to the country’s first regional government led by a far-right party.

France is also facing a far-right advance. Opinion polls have Marine Le Pen as the favorite for the 2027 presidential election, scheduled for April 18 and May 2.

“

We must never forget our history. That is the meaning of France and Germany’s decisions.