Elections in Saxony-Anhalt: AfD success and comment from the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

According to recent forecasts, the right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD) won 44 percent of the votes in the elections to the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt, outclassing the competition. The Christian Democrat CDU came second with 17.5 percent, followed by the SPD with 9.0 percent.

I expect a change in domestic policy in Germany. Such a victory of a fringe party will have an impact on the central government. As for our policy towards Germany, I do not expect any change, admitted the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

I cannot imagine allowing such an extreme party to the so-called mainstream. This would mean very big problems for right-wing parties, such as the CDU, admitted the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Niemczycki also added that we must be prepared for possible changes in foreign policy in Germany.

Talks regarding Ukraine

During Saturday's negotiations in Moscow, American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner talked, among others: with Vladimir Putin regarding peace in Ukraine. Due to the talks, Putin ordered a three-day halt to attacks on Kyiv.

When asked whether Germany's policy towards Ukraine would change due to the elections, Niemczycki said he did not expect it. It's hard for me to imagine that the CDU and mainstream parties would radically change their approach to Ukraine, the politician emphasized.

So far, Russia has not shown any willingness to conduct talks in a genuine way, on terms that would be acceptable to all parties, Niemczycki said, adding that stopping the attacks on Kiev is a gesture to the American side.

This can be treated symbolically, as a kind of opening gesture. However, we did not see any good will from Russia, so I would not like to overestimate this gesture, emphasized the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.