AfD seeks first far-right state victory in eastern Germany

Polls opened on Sunday in Saxony-Anhalt, where the Alternative for Germany is trying to turn strong support into control of the eastern state’s government. If the party wins an outright majority, it would be the first far-right group to hold state-level power in Germany since World War Two.

The vote is being watched closely because the AfD has spent years trying to broaden its appeal while remaining politically isolated from mainstream rivals. The New York Times reported that the party has also continued private contacts with extremists despite efforts to present a softer image.

France 24 said the party’s path to office could still depend on whether it clears the threshold needed to govern alone, since falling short would make coalition-building difficult. Euronews reported that the AfD has been polling above 40 percent, raising the prospect of a strong result.

The election is also being followed in Berlin, where a large AfD gain would add pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his coalition, according to Euronews. Saxony-Anhalt is one of several eastern German states where the party has built some of its strongest support.