The triumph of the far-right in East Germany has triggered a strong wave of political reactions across Europe, dividing diplomatic cabinets between concern about the rise of populism and celebrations by radical right-wing exponents.
Berlin's main allies within the European Union have been watching the election with great concern. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told RTL radio that the result was a "very, very worrying signal", stressing that the continent must withstand a major challenge in the face of the populist wave spreading around the world. The same line was taken by Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who described the vote result as a very important and alarming sign.
On the other hand, the forces of the European far right have welcomed the AfD's success with cheers. Herbert Kickl, the leader of the Freedom Party in Austria, said that voters in Saxony-Anhalt dealt a direct blow by voting against the united front of the establishment parties. Similarly, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban publicly congratulated the AfD, describing its achievement as "a great night for Germany and Europe," and wrote in a post on the X platform that this result is just the beginning.
