Far-right AfD wins historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt regional vote

Initial exit polls from the Saxony-Anhalt regional election in eastern Germany indicate a decisive victory for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The party secured approximately 44.5 percent of the vote, marking a substantial increase compared to previous regional results. Meanwhile, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered a sharp decline, falling to around 18.5 percent.

Voter turnout reached a record high of nearly 80 percent. Among smaller parties, Die Linke took 9.3 percent, the Greens recorded 8.7 percent, the Social Democrats won 8.4 percent, and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance crossed the threshold with 5 percent.

Lead AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund celebrated the outcome, stating, "we have written history." However, forming a governing coalition remains complex as established mainstream parties continue to reject any alliance with the far-right group.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.