The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has secured a major victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt regional election, winning 39 seats in the Magdeburg state parliament—just three seats short of an absolute majority. The result has triggered widespread international reactions, with far-right leaders celebrating the outcome as a historic breakthrough while centrist and left-leaning governments across Europe warn of a dangerous populist surge. The election outcome underscores the growing influence of nationalist parties in Germany and raises concerns about the future of European unity and democratic norms.
French officials were among the most vocal in expressing alarm. Finance Minister Roland Lescure described the AfD victory as a „very, very worrying signal” to Europe, noting that the continent faces „a major challenge in the face of a populist wave” that is spreading globally and „must be resisted.” European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad went further, calling the result „a very grave moment for Europe” and stating unequivocally that „nationalism and xenophobia will never be the answer,” while urging voters not to forget the lessons of history. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez echoed these concerns, describing the far-right threat as a „warning” that is gaining ground across Europe „thanks largely to the surrender of the traditional right.”
Conversely, far-right and populist figures around the world welcomed the AfD’s success. US President Donald Trump praised the party on Truth Social, attributing its victory to „horrible” immigration policies and declaring that populist forces „ARE ON THE RISE.” Elon Musk simply posted „Gut gemacht!” (well done) on X, prompting AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund to thank him personally for his support. Hungary’s Viktor Orban called it „a huge night for Germany and Europe,” while Spain’s Vox leader Santiago Abascal, Portugal’s Chega leader Andre Ventura, and former US Ambassador Richard Grenell also celebrated the result. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, however, struck a sharply contrasting tone, stating that „only idiots or traitors could rejoice” in the AfD triumph, reflecting deep divisions within Europe over the political shift represented by the vote.
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.