Why is far-right AfD’s state victory significant and what might happen next in German politics?

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a landslide victory in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, marking the largest far-right state election win in Germany since the Nazi era. Despite the decisive result, the AfD may not ultimately control the state government.

The victory has sent shockwaves through the country, prompting reactions from political figures including Ulrich Siegmund, an AfD candidate who publicly thanked tech billionaire Elon Musk on social media for his support and perspective on German political developments.

The outcome is viewed as a major political earthquake with national implications, as it is expected to create ripple effects across the country ahead of two additional state elections scheduled for later in the month.