The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a significant political milestone by winning the regional election in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, according to preliminary results. The party is projected to secure 39 seats in the state parliament in Magdeburg, narrowly missing the 42 seats required for an absolute majority. This outcome has triggered a wave of reactions across the globe, highlighting the deepening political divide between nationalist movements and proponents of European unity.
French officials voiced strong concerns over the election results, with Finance Minister Roland Lescure describing the AfD’s victory as a „very, very worrying signal” for Europe. He emphasized that the continent is confronting a „major challenge in the face of a populist wave” that is spreading globally and must be resisted. European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad echoed these sentiments, calling the outcome „a very grave moment for Europe” and stressing that „nationalism and xenophobia will never be the answer.” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also weighed in, framing the result as a „warning” that the „far-right threat” is gaining ground in Europe, largely due to the „surrender of the traditional right.”
Conversely, far-right leaders and figures from around the world celebrated the AfD’s performance. Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain’s Vox party, congratulated AfD co-leader Alice Weidel and lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund on their „spectacular result,” while Portugal’s Andre Ventura hailed it as a „historic victory.” Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orban called it „a huge night for Germany and Europe,” adding that „this is just the beginning.” Former US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell described the win as „a huge win and a new day for Germany,” and businessman Elon Musk simply stated „Gut gemacht!” in a post on X.
Other international figures expressed alarm, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarking that „only idiots or traitors could rejoice the AfD triumph in Germany.” Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski noted that the party coming close to an absolute majority was a „very worrying sign.” Additionally, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, referred to Siegmund as the „voice of reason,” a comment that raised eyebrows given the context of the election. The mixed reactions underscore the growing polarization in global politics, with the AfD’s success serving as a flashpoint for debates on nationalism, immigration, and the future of European integration.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/7/world-reacts-to-afd-victory-in-east-germany-state-election.