World reacts to AfD victory in east Germany state election

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has won the regional election in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, according to preliminary results.

AfD is set to secure 39 seats at the state parliament in Magdeburg, just short of the 42 seats needed for a majority.

The results drew a mixed response around the world, with far-right parties welcoming the news and some governments raising warnings.

Lescure told RTL radio on Monday that the victory of AfD sends a “very, very worrying signal” to Europe.

He said the continent is facing “a major challenge in the face of a populist wave”, which he says is “spreading around the world today” and that “we must resist [it]”.

France’s European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad said the results mark “a very grave moment for Europe” and that “nationalism and xenophobia will never be the answer”.

“Congratulations, Alice Weidel and Ulrich Siegmund, on this spectacular result, which represents great hope for Germany and Europe,” Abascal wrote on X. Weidel is the AfD’s co-leader, while Siegmund is the AfD’s lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt.

“Germans are also increasingly opening their eyes to illegal and uncontrolled immigration, corruption and the appropriation of our freedom and identity. Congratulations!” he wrote on X.