AfD's Saxony-Anhalt Victory Tests Germany's Democracy

AfD’s 43.8% win in Saxony-Anhalt marks its strongest state result to date and could put the party on a path to leading the state government, prompting complex coalition calculations as five parties would be needed to block it. The result could influence policies on immigration, education, arts funding, and policing, while the economic impact could include up to €3.2 billion in lost output and about 14,000 fewer workers by 2031. Seen as a turning point, the vote has energized pro-democracy groups and raised alarms ahead of federal elections in 2029.