Far-right Alternative for Germany party wins big in regional election but falls short of majority

Alternative for Germany failed to secure an absolute majority in the state legislature to govern alone and overcome the so-called firewall of mainstream parties' refusal to work with AfD.

The far-right Alternative for Germany party surged to a resounding victory in a regional election Sunday, but fell a little short of winning a majority in its quest to form the country's first far-right state government since World War II.

‘They finally want political change’

Alternative for Germany was hoping for an absolute majority in the state legislature, which would have allowed it to govern alone and overcome the resistance of mainstream parties' refusal to work with the AfD.