Embracing positions extolled by the Kremlin, the Alternative for Germany party may govern for the first time in a German state.

By James Mackenzie BERLIN, Sept 7 (Reuters) - The far-right AfD's triumph in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt marks a defeat for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and sends a warning to other European leaders battling the same mixture of slow growth and disillusion with mainstream politics.

The far-right Alternative for Germany party surged to a major victory in a regional election on Sunday, but fell a little short of winning a majority in its quest to form the country’s first far-right state government since World War II.

Saxony-Anhalt may well become the first German state to be led by a radical right government since the second world war. But the context is important. Saxony-Anhalt is a small state made up of 1.7 million voters, just 2.5% of the German electorate. As such, its political landscape should not be taken as representative of the country as a whole.

Germany's AfD won 43.8% in Saxony-Anhalt but fell short of a majority, creating uncertainty over coalition talks and who will govern the eastern state.

By Miranda Murray BERLIN, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Voting began in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday in a closely watched election that could see the Alternative for Germany (AfD) become the first far-right party to lead a state government since World War Two.

The overwhelming victory of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt has heralded the end of the national government coalition led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz,

Far-right party is short of three seats in the state’s parliament to lead a regional government — and make postwar history

The AfD Saxony-Anhalt election resulted in a historic victory for the far-right party, which secured 44.2% of the vote and sent shockwaves through Germany's political establishment

Ulrich Siegmund is the most likely next leader of the eastern state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt after a historic election win.

The results of Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt state election on September 6 were far worse than feared for the country’s mainstream political parties. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) came close to winning a majority of votes, with 43.8%.

Germany’s Defense Ministry is considering blocking access of a highly sensitive wartime crisis-response plan to the state premier’s office in Saxony-Anhalt if the far right takes power in the eastern region.