Germany's far-right AfD poised to control eastern state for first time

The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party, leads polls ahead of September elections in Saxony-Anhalt and is positioned to take power in a German state for the first time in the party's history. The AfD's state leader outlined plans including immigrant detention, curriculum reform, and resetting relations with Russia. The development marks a significant political shift in post-war German politics, where far-right parties have been historically marginalized. This matters globally because Germany is the European Union's largest economy and a NATO member; far-right governance in a major EU state could influence European immigration policy, education standards, and diplomatic relations with Russia.