Is a far-right party on the precipice of power in a German state?

Magdeburg, Germany — At first glance, Magdeburg may seem an unlikely stage for a political upheaval of international significance. But this weekend, the city of only about 244,000 people will be at the center of an election that could leave a far-right party in control of a German state for the first time since World War II.Magdeburg is the capital of the East German state of Saxony-Anhalt — where the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is hoping to rise to power in Sunday's state election.Supporters and opponents of right-wing populist movements across Europe and beyond are watching closely to see if the AfD can turn a significant lead in opinion polls into real power.The latest surveys show the AfD polling at 41%, well ahead of its closest rival, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which stood Friday at 23%. Supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party hold placards reading "To save the country," as they attend AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund's campaign event ahead of the upcoming Saxony-Anhalt state elections, in Magdeburg, Germany, Sept. 4, 2026. Annegret Hilse/REUTERS Should the AfD win, it would be an extraordinary breakthrough for a pa...