Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, a result that has renewed concerns about the far right's rise in Europe. The party fell short of an absolute majority in the vote but may still manage to form the first far-right state government in Germany since the Nazi era.

Far-right leaders from Portugal to Austria celebrated the outcome. Anti-immigrant and pro-Russian parties have made inroads across Europe in recent years, though there have also been notable reversals, and some have softened their views to build coalitions with moderate parties.

The vote comes as mainstream leaders across the continent grapple with myriad crises, including affordability, Russian aggression, and trade disputes with China and the United States.