Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has secured a major symbolic gain in Saxony-Anhalt after Tobias Rausch was elected president of the state parliament.
Rausch received 48 of the 82 votes cast, giving him support beyond the AfD’s own parliamentary group. The result has intensified debate over the political firewall that mainstream parties have traditionally maintained against cooperation with the AfD.
The AfD emerged as the strongest party in the September state election, but it lacks the seats required for an outright majority. Party leader Ulrich Siegmund is seeking support to form a state government, while other parties have so far rejected a formal coalition with the AfD.
The developments are being closely watched at federal level because they could further influence the debate over cooperation with the far right in Germany.
