BERLIN (AP) — Alternative for Germany, or AfD, has established itself as a significant political force in the 13 years since its founding, but it has never been part of any state or federal government. That’s a result of what is often called a “firewall” against cooperation with the anti-immigrant, far-right party.

By Andreas Rinke and Kirsti Knolle BERLIN, Sept 9 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused the Alternative for Germany on Wednesday of supporting Russia against Germany's interests and advocating anti-migration policies that were tantamount to "ethnic cleansing".

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has surged to first place in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, winning 44% of the vote. But the anti-immigrant, pro-Russian party fell three seats short of an absolute majority,

The AfD may not end up controlling Germany's Saxony-Anhalt state despite a landslide election victory, but the far-right party's "dream result" sends a clear message.

By Maria Martinez BERLIN, Sept 9 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Wednesday he remained sceptical that proceedings to ban the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party would succeed,

The "extraordinary" result may be the "most consequential German state-election result of the postwar era," according to analysts.

The Ifo Institute for Economic Research, a respected think-tank, has raised its growth forecast for the whole year from 0.8% to 1.4%. Two other similarly august outfits, the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and RWI,

Far-right parties are gaining ground in Europe, with the National Rally in France and Reform UK leading in popularity. The AfD in Germany achieved significant electoral success, aiming for a minority government,