The far-right Alternative for Germany won a state election for the first time Sunday in the country's east, and was set to finish at least a close second in another state in the west, dealing a blow to mainstream political parties. Deemed an extremist organization by domestic intelligence in three German states, the AfD has overcome deep-seated taboos over nationalist and xenophobic rhetoric to gain popularity among voters disillusioned with traditional politics.
A high-profile politician in the far-right Alternative for Germany party has been convicted for the second time of knowingly using a Nazi slogan, highlighting the party's controversial stance on historical issues. The far-right Alternative for Germany party was the projected winner in the Thuringia state election, dealing a blow to the country's mainstream parties and signaling a shift in German politics towards more populist and nationalist ideologies.
Germany's anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) is celebrating a 'historic success', with the far-right party on course for a big win in Thuringia and Saxony state elections. Germany's far-right AfD party took between 30.5 percent and 33.5 percent of the vote in elections in the eastern state of Thuringia, further solidifying their position as a major political force in the country.