AfD Wins in Saxony-Anhalt State Election in Germany
The far-right party AfD (Alternative for Germany) has won a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The vote took place on 7 September, and results were still being discussed the next day.
In Moscow, officials reacted with excitement. One statement called the AfD's win a "historic victory" and claimed it "punished" German "warmongers" — people who are seen as pushing for war.
Both former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed the AfD's success as a win for their own political positions. Each leader tried to present the result as support for his own views.
The reaction has raised questions in Brussels. Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, broke her silence on the election. She warned that threats to Europe are getting "closer," though she gave few details.
The AfD has grown stronger in recent years, especially in eastern German states. The party holds far-right views, and some of its members have been linked to extreme nationalism. Mainstream German parties have long refused to work with it.
This election result is being seen as a sign of the AfD's rising influence within Germany. It also shows how foreign leaders are quick to use European election results for their own political narrative.
Vocabulary6 words
- AfD
- a far-right political party in Germany
- warmongers
- people who want war to happen
- threats
- things or people that can cause harm
- far-right
- political ideas that are very extreme on one side
- nationalism
- strong pride in one's own nation, sometimes extreme
- political narrative
- a story political leaders tell to explain events
Quiz
Answer key
1. A state election took place 2. With excitement, calling it a historic victory 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The far-right party _____ has won a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
The vote took place on 7 _____.
In _____, officials reacted with excitement.
One statement called the AfD's win a "historic _____."
They claimed it "punished" German "_____."
Both Donald Trump and Vladimir _____ claimed the AfD's success as a win.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's top _____, broke her silence on the election.
She warned that _____ to Europe are getting "closer."
The AfD has grown stronger, especially in eastern German _____.
Mainstream German parties have long refused to _____ with it.
Discussion questions
- Why might foreign leaders like Trump and Putin want to comment on a regional election in Germany?
- What does Kaja Kallas's warning suggest about the EU's view of far-right movements?
- Why do you think the AfD has grown stronger in eastern Germany?
- How can election results in one country affect international politics?