The victory of the far-right AfD in the local elections in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, has sparked concern in Europe. The significant number of votes obtained in the region, with 43.8% of the votes, demonstrates the unstoppable advance of the party in the EU's largest economy, triggering fears within the Union. The most outspoken about this has probably been the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.
"In Poland, only fools or traitors can rejoice in the AfD's triumph," Tusk stated on his X social media profile. Alongside him, the influential Foreign Minister of his government, Radoslaw Sikorski, has also been very critical, stating that "it seems they fell just a few votes short of an absolute majority, but this is indeed a very worrying sign."
The extreme concern of the Polish government is explained by the proximity and relationship with Germany but, above all, by the rise of the far-right in the country. Next year, the prime ministerial elections will be held.
From Spain, the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, also commented on yesterday's result. "It is a warning that the ultra threat, largely due to the surrender of the traditional right, is gaining ground in Europe and the world," he stated.
Brussels, on the other hand, has avoided commenting on the regional election results. "We do not comment on the results," stated the Commission's chief spokesperson, Paula Pinho, during the daily press briefing. However, the overwhelming result obtained by the AfD, a party openly eurosceptic, is a cause for concern in the EU capital.
In other countries, the result has been directly celebrated. "Congratulations to my friend Alice Weidel and all of AfD for the triumph in Saxony-Anhalt. A resounding success, highlighting the strong demand for change, security, and employment. To the dismay of those on the left who fueled fears and catastrophic scenarios," also stated in X the Italian Vice President, Matteo Salvini.
"Fear? Terror? Danger? No, it's called DEMOCRACY. Another Europe is possible," added the leader of the extremist Lega party. The electoral result in Germany comes just days after the Italian government led by Giorgia Meloni became the longest-serving in modern Italian history.
And of course, former Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, did not miss the opportunity to call for a shift in Europe despite having just lost the elections in his country. "Congratulations to Alice Weidel, Ulrich Siegmund, and all of AfD for their overwhelming victory in Saxony-Anhalt! Fasten your seatbelts. This is just the beginning!" he posted on social media last night.