Israel's Envoy to Germany Warns of 'True Alarm' After Far-Right Election Win
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's significant victory in the state election in Saxony-Anhalt has sent shockwaves across Europe, with the party securing 44% of the vote. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the result as a "tectonic shift" in the country's political landscape, stating that his CDU party "cannot simply continue as usual" and ruling out any cooperation with the AfD. Israel's Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, issued a stark warning about the safety of German Jews, highlighting a "real threat" from opposing ends of the political spectrum. "I am anxious for Jewish life here which is under real threat," Prosor stated, urging German authorities to take "concrete steps" against "wild incitement against Jews."
Reactions from international leaders have been mixed. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called anyone celebrating the AfD's win an "idiot or traitor." French Finance Minister Roland Lescure expressed concern, noting that German business leaders were also worried. Conversely, Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini welcomed the results, seeing them as proof that "a different Europe is possible." Former US President Donald Trump, who has previously expressed support for the AfD, retweeted the election results without comment. Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev praised the "historic victory" for the "pragmatic AfD party," which advocates for ending support for Ukraine and revoking refugee status for Ukrainians in Germany. Billionaire Elon Musk also congratulated the party, receiving a response from AfD leader Ulrich Siegmund expressing a desire for "close cooperation" if the party takes state leadership.
The AfD is expected to win 39 seats in the state parliament, with the Democratic Bloc taking another 39, and the far-left BSW party securing five seats. Analysts suggest the AfD and BSW might form a government, as the BSW has indicated it would not join a coalition with other Democratic Bloc parties. AfD leader Alice Weidel declared the party's goal is to reach at least 40% in the federal elections scheduled for January 30, 2027.
Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt, has faced severe criticism in Germany. He was previously removed from a parliamentary welfare committee for attending a neo-Nazi gathering, and "Der Spiegel" magazine labeled him "the most dangerous man in Germany." During a recent campaign event, Siegmund was met with chants of "Sieg Mund," echoing the Nazi salute "Sieg Heil."
