Far-right AfD wins presidency of Saxony-Anhalt parliament in postwar first

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won the presidency of the state parliament in Saxony-Anhalt, marking the first time since 1945 that a far-right party has taken such a position in Germany.

The development comes a month after the party secured a major victory in the state election, extending its electoral gains into a leading parliamentary role.

The presidency gives AfD a prominent institutional position within Saxony-Anhalt’s legislature. It is distinct from leadership of the state government, but represents a significant step in the party’s political rise.

The outcome underscores the growing influence of the far right in German state politics, with AfD translating support at the ballot box into authority within parliamentary institutions.