AfD’s Saxony-Anhalt Surge Triggers Mixed Reactions Across Europe’s Far-Right

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) captured 43.8 % of the vote in the recent Saxony-Anhalt state election, finishing three seats short of an outright majority. The result follows strong showings in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Berlin, signalling a broader shift of voters from mainstream parties toward the AfD.

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Several right-wing parties welcomed the German gains.

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In contrast, France’s Rassemblement National (RN) has distanced itself. Marine Le Pen, RN president, has emphasized a “detoxification” strategy that moves the party away from overt xenophobia, a shift she says is reinforced by her condemnation of antisemitism since the October 7 attacks in Israel.

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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking on September 4, reiterated that Brothers of Italy will remain separate from the AfD, citing “irreconcilable” foreign-policy differences, especially over NATO and Ukraine.

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Britain’s Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the AfD as a “mixed bag,” adding, “I think the pro-Putin stuff, I find it hard to understand.” “I think the pro-Putin stuff, I find it hard to understand.” — Nigel Farage

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Grégoire Roos, director of Europe, Russia and Eurasia programs at Chatham House, noted that the AfD has not undertaken a “clean-up” of extremist elements, unlike the RN, which has worked to remove “morally disturbing” factions.

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If the AfD continues to expand regionally, analysts suggest it could push for a nationalist agenda and stronger ties with Moscow, while also seeking to lift EU sanctions on Russian energy. However, Germany’s foreign policy remains anchored in the chancellor’s office, and the country’s independent judiciary and constitutional court are seen as safeguards against abrupt shifts in national direction. The AfD’s rise thus places Europe’s far-right with a strategic dilemma: ignore a growing force or risk association with its more controversial positions.

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• “I think the pro-Putin stuff, I find it hard to understand.” — Nigel Farage

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