Germany's Far-Right AfD Wants Other Parties to Work With It

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has said that other political parties must now cooperate with it, after the party won a state election but fell short of an outright majority.

According to the report, AfD came three seats short of a majority in the state parliament, meaning it cannot govern alone.

The party is now attempting to form a state government, but doing so will require support or cooperation from other parties.

AfD's leadership has argued that 'democracy demands' that mainstream parties work with them, given the strength of their election result.

The party frames its demand as a matter of respecting the choice made by voters in the state.

For years, most major German parties have refused to work with AfD at any level of government.

This informal agreement, often referred to as a 'firewall,' is based on concerns about the party's extremist positions.

Critics argue that AfD holds views that are incompatible with Germany's democratic and constitutional order.

AfD rejects this characterisation and insists that excluding it from power ignores the democratic mandate given by voters.

The party's call for cooperation puts pressure on rival parties to clarify their position going forward.

They must now decide whether to maintain the long-standing firewall or open talks with AfD in this state.

The outcome could have wider implications, as it may set a precedent for how other German states or even the federal government respond to future AfD gains.

The party's rising support has been part of a broader trend of increasing backing for far-right movements in several European countries.

As of now, no other parties have confirmed whether they will negotiate with AfD to form the new state government.

The situation remains fluid, with further political developments expected in the coming days.