Donald Trump has publicly praised the electoral success of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, attributing the surge to the nation's immigration policies. The AfD secured a leading position in the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, marking a significant advancement for the party.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Wow! The Populist Party in Germany just had a really big night. They finally got tired of the absolutely horrible Immigration rules and regulations which have hurt Germany so badly." He further commented, "THEY ARE ON THE RISE, and not going to take it anymore!"
The AfD garnered 44 percent of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, more than doubling its previous support and surpassing the long-dominant Christian Democratic Union (CDU). The result left the party just three seats short of an outright majority in the state legislature. The CDU, a component of the national ruling coalition, received only 17 percent of the vote in the eastern state.
Despite the strong showing, the AfD fell short of the absolute majority needed to govern Saxony-Anhalt alone, complicating potential coalition negotiations. Mainstream parties have indicated a refusal to form a coalition with the AfD, a party whose leaders have faced accusations of using controversial rhetoric and downplaying historical events. German intelligence has designated the AfD as a "suspected" extremist group.
The election outcome has triggered concern among European leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed shock at his party's significant losses, acknowledging the need for reforms. Allies of French President Emmanuel Macron have called for a coalition of moderate factions to counter the AfD's influence in upcoming elections. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized any domestic support for the AfD, while Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned of an advancing "extremist threat" globally.
The AfD's platform includes pledges for stringent immigration controls, with plans for deportations and a reduction in integration programs. The party has also proposed excluding individuals without permanent residency from regular schools and has outlined a controversial "remigration" policy.
Others, including tech billionaire Elon Musk, have also offered congratulations to the AfD. The party's surge is seen by some as fueled by nostalgia for life in former East Germany and lingering economic frustrations since reunification. AfD co-founder Alice Weidel has expressed expectations of leadership changes within the CDU and has indicated a goal for the AfD to achieve at least 40 percent in the next federal election.
Concerns have also been raised about the AfD's stance towards Russia. Critics suggest that an AfD-led state government could potentially leak sensitive information to Russia, given the party's platform calling for improved relations with Moscow and an end to sanctions. While Saxony-Anhalt is bound by federal sanctions, an AfD state premier could influence discussions in the Bundesrat, the chamber representing Germany's states.