Global Alarm and Praise Follow Far-Right AfD's Landmark Election Victory in Saxony-Anhalt

German flags lined up at the venue of the AfD's election party during Saxony-Anhalt's state elections in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party secured a regional election victory according to preliminary results.

The AfD is set to claim 39 seats at the state parliament in Magdeburg, falling just short of the 42 seats required for an outright majority. The outcome has sparked a polarized global response, with international far-right figures celebrating the triumph while various governments issue stern warnings.

French officials Lescure told RTL radio that the victory of AfD sends a "very, very worrying signal" to Europe, noting that the continent faces "a major challenge in the face of a populist wave" spreading globally that "we must resist." France's European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad echoed these sentiments, calling the results "a very grave moment for Europe" and emphasizing that "nationalism and xenophobia will never be the answer" while urging people not to forget history.

Conversely, Santiago Abascal, leader of Spain's far-right Vox party, took to X to congratulate Alice Weidel and Ulrich Siegmund, calling the outcome a spectacular result and a "great hope for Germany and Europe." Weidel serves as the AfD's co-leader, and Siegmund is the party's lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt.

Andr Ventura, leader of Portugal's far-right Chega party, labeled the outcome an "historic victory," writing on X that Germans are increasingly waking up to illegal and uncontrolled immigration, corruption, and the erosion of freedom and identity.

Poland's Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned that the party narrowly missing an absolute majority by just a few votes remains an alarming sign.

Meanwhile, businessman Elon Musk welcomed the outcome on X with the German phrase "Gut gemacht!" translated as "well done." Ulrich Siegmund subsequently thanked Musk on X for his support and perspective on contemporary political developments.

Former Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban hailed the win as "a huge night for Germany and Europe" and declared that "this is just the beginning." Former US Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell termed the victory "a huge win and a new day for Germany" indicating that people are ready for change. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, praised Siegmund as the "voice of reason" in a social media post.