AfD Wins Thuringia Election

Germany’s far-right AfD won Thuringia, but rivals may block it from governing.

•Center & Right

Germany Votes Right, and the Press Reaches for 1945

AfD Throws a Wrench in the System As Germany's Political Elite Try to Comprehend What's Next

Germany's far-right AfD set for big win in eastern state, just short of majority

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Analysis & opinion

The reporting

A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

Alternative for Germany (AfD) was projected to win Saxony-Anhalt’s state election with about 44% to 44.5% of the vote, putting it first in a German state contest. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democrats trailed at about 18%, with smaller parties competing to clear the parliamentary threshold. The AfD remained short of an outright majority, leaving its ability to govern dependent on whether other parties maintain Germany’s informal “firewall” against coalitions with it. If it reaches power, it would lead Germany’s first far-right state government since World War II.

Analysis & opinion

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Establishment UpheavalMostly Center

The AfD’s breakthrough is shaking Germany’s postwar political order and forcing the mainstream parties to confront a challenge they can no longer contain easily. Its success threatens the old strategy of excluding the far right from power and could push Germany, and even Europe, into a deeper political crisis.

Elite FailureLeans Right

Germany’s ruling class and media have failed to take voters’ problems seriously, helping drive a right-wing revolt. Invoking Nazi history or dismissing AfD supporters obscures the real grievances produced by the country’s recent leadership.