Germany's AfD heads for a major state-election victory

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, is heading toward a major victory in Saxony-Anhalt, according to a newly released exit poll. The result would be historic, but the party would not win an outright majority.

The poll put the AfD at 44.5%, well ahead of the Christian Democratic Union at 18.5%. The Social Democratic Party was projected to receive 8.0%, while the liberal Free Democratic Party stood at 2.0%, below the electoral threshold. Turnout was estimated at 76.5%, a record for the state.

If the AfD wins, it would be the first time since World War II that a party classified as far right takes power in one of Germany's states. The party is classified as far right by Germany's domestic intelligence service in Saxony-Anhalt and four other states. A nationwide classification has been challenged by the AfD and cannot currently be used while the matter awaits a constitutional court decision.

The party's lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, emphasizes Bismarck more than Hitler in his view of history. He supports restarting gas imports from Russia and restoring relations with Moscow. In an interview with Svenska Dagbladet, he warned of “crime like on Swedish streets” and said Germany should stop supporting Ukraine.

The result remains part of an unfolding political debate. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has opened discussion of a possible ban on the AfD, but critics warn that a failed ban could instead give the party a democratic legitimacy label. An Insa poll in early July found 40% supported a ban and 45% opposed one.

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crime like on Swedish streets