**World Reacts to AfD Victory in East Germany State Election**
*Published on September 7, 2026*
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has emerged victorious in the regional elections held in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, according to preliminary results. The party is projected to secure 39 seats in the state parliament located in Magdeburg, falling just short of the 42 seats required for an outright majority.
The outcome of the election has elicited a diverse range of reactions from around the globe, highlighting the polarized views on the rise of far-right politics in Europe. While some far-right parties celebrated the AfD's success, various government officials and political leaders expressed concerns regarding the implications for democracy and social cohesion in Europe.
French officials were among the first to voice alarm over the election results. Minister for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, characterized the victory as a “very grave moment for Europe,” emphasizing that “nationalism and xenophobia will never be the answer.” He urged the continent to remember its history and the lessons learned from past conflicts. Additionally, French MP Pierre-Henri Lescure described the AfD's win as a “very, very worrying signal,” warning of a populist wave that is gaining momentum across Europe.
In contrast, leaders from other far-right parties in Europe welcomed the results. Santiago Abascal, the leader of Spain’s Vox party, congratulated AfD co-leaders Alice Weidel and Ulrich Siegmund, calling the outcome a “spectacular result” that offers hope for both Germany and Europe. Similarly, Andr Ventura, the head of Portugal’s Chega party, referred to the election as an “historic victory,” suggesting that it reflects a growing awareness among Germans regarding issues like immigration and national identity.
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressed concern over the AfD's narrow miss of a majority, labeling it an “alarming sign” for the future of German politics. His remarks echoed a sentiment shared by many who fear the normalization of far-right ideologies in mainstream politics.
Business magnate Elon Musk also weighed in on the election, commending the AfD's performance with a simple “Gut gemacht!” or “well done” in German. This statement was met with appreciation from Siegmund, who thanked Musk for his support and perspective on contemporary political developments.
Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban hailed the AfD's victory as “a huge night for Germany and Europe,” suggesting that this could be just the beginning of a broader shift in political dynamics across the continent. Similarly, former U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell described the election results as a “huge win and a new day for Germany,” indicating a public readiness for change.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, also expressed support for Siegmund, calling him the “voice of reason” in light of the current political climate.
As the AfD prepares to take its place in the Saxony-Anhalt parliament, the implications of this electoral outcome are likely to resonate beyond regional borders, influencing political discourse and party dynamics across Europe. The mixed reactions underscore a growing divide in public opinion regarding the rise of populism and nationalism, with many advocating for a return to more traditional political values in response to the challenges posed by far-right movements.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the AfD as it navigates its position within the state parliament and seeks to establish its influence in the broader German political landscape. The party's performance in Saxony-Anhalt could serve as a bellwether for future elections in Germany and beyond, as the continent grapples with the complexities of identity, immigration, and national sovereignty in an increasingly interconnected world.