The AfD triumphs in Saxony-Anhalt and Europe fears the domino effect of the far-right
With over 43% of the votes in the German state, the German far right marks a historic record and fuels concerns about the 2027 European elections
Quick Look
- The AfD won more than 43% of the vote in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, the best result for a far-right party in Germany since the Second World War.
- This exploit has raised fears across Europe about a possible domino effect in the 2027 national elections, while the EU reiterates that it will only work with pro-EU, pro-Kiev and rule-of-law governments.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The article describes the historic result of the AfD in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, where the party obtained over 43% of the votes, the best result for a far-right party in Germany since the Second World War. This event has raised concerns across Europe about a possible domino effect in the 2027 national elections, while the European Union says it will only work with governments that respect three pillars: being pro-EU, supporting Kiev and upholding the rule of law.
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Ansa/Sky TG24
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FEAR IN EUROPE
The echoes of the black wave that engulfed Saxony-Anhalt scare Europe. In the German Land, the far-right AfD recorded the highest increase in support in a state election in Germany since the Second World War. And in the European Union, in view of the elections in 2027, the great fear is now that of having one or more Orban-style governments among the 27 member states.
What do the polls say in Europe? VIDEO
2/8 ©IPA/Fotogramma
THE PILLARS OF THE EU
In Brussels, in any case, respect for the vote of European citizens prevails. There is concern about the advance of parties like the AfD, but at the same time the European Union proves open to working with anyone as long as it respects three great pillars: being pro-EU, supporting Kiev and defending the rule of law. Outside of these three limits - this is the reasoning circulating in the European capital - the EU does not work with anyone.
Germany, AfD triumphs in the elections in Saxony-Anhalt. Weidel: "Merz weight per country"
3/8 ©Ansa
THERE IS A FEAR OF A SLOWDOWN IN EUROPEANISM
Principles that become even more indispensable in the face of European concerns regarding the next election year and the possible domino effect. And all eyes are on the possible slowdown of the Europeanism that has always animated the two sides of the Franco-German axis. But what do the polls say?
AfD, the history of the far-right party aiming for the leadership of Germany
4/8 Sky TG24
SURVEYS IN GERMANY
In Germany the AfD recorded an exploit with over 43% of the votes in the Land of Saxony. Looking at the average of the polls of recent years, we see that the AfD is currently at 28%, while Chancellor Merz's CDU stops at 21% and the SPD at 12%.
Elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Merz: "Shocked, no cooperation with AfD"
5/8 Sky TG24
THE NEXT ELECTIONS IN EUROPE
But in Germany there will be no political elections next year, unless there are early elections as happened in 2025. Citizens will instead go to the polls on 18 April in France for the presidential elections, then in August in Spain, by September - perhaps already in spring - in Italy and by November in Poland.
How much does the ultra-right effect weigh in Europe? SKY CUBE VIDEO
6/8 Sky TG24
SURVEYS IN FRANCE
In France, the latest polls for the presidential elections show the former president of the Rassemblement National, Marine Le Pen, at 34%. Édouard Philippe, if he were the Centre's candidate, would stop at 17%, followed by the leader of La France insoumise, Jean-Luc Mélenchon (16%) and the MEP and founder of Place publique Raphaël Glucksmann (11%). However, it should not be forgotten that the French vote involves a run-off and everything is still to be decided.
7/8 Sky TG24
SURVEYS IN SPAIN
In Spain the polls put the People's Party in the lead with 32%, and therefore not the far-right of Vox which stops at 17%, also behind the Socialists of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez (26%).
8/8 Sky TG24
SURVEYS IN THE UK
Leaving the borders of the European Union, in the United Kingdom the average of the polls of recent years indicates that until a few weeks ago Nigel Farage's Reform UK was in the lead, now overtaken by Labor after Andy Burnham became prime minister.
Germany, who is Ulrich Siegmund: the AfD leader who won in Saxony-Anhalt
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The AfD will participate in the 2025 German federal elections as the third most voted party
Likely · Within months
Marine Le Pen will reach the run-off ballot in the 2027 French presidential election
Possible · Within years
At least one EU member state will have an Orban-style government by 2027
Possible · Within years
Open Questions
- Will the AfD be able to maintain or increase its support in the 2025 German federal elections?
- How will other German parties respond to the rise of the AfD at the national level?
- What will be the concrete consequences of EU policies on cooperation with governments that do not respect the three declared pillars?
- Will the predicted domino effect actually materialize in the 2027 national elections in France, Spain and other countries?
