International Reactions to AfD and BSW Successes in German State Elections; Russia Hails 'Political Sensation'

The recent state elections in Saxony and Thuringia, Germany, saw significant gains for the far-right AfD and leftist BSW parties, drawing widespread international attention. Russian state media hailed the AfD's victory as a 'political sensation,' emphasizing the party's pro-Russia stance against sanctions and support for restoring old trade relations. The Chairman of the Russian State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, publicly criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Polish media strongly criticized the AfD as an extremist party reminiscent of historical far-right movements and expressed concerns over the influence of AfD and BSW, both seen as pro-Russian, on German politics. Austrian reactions were alarmed over the strengthening of both radical right and left extremes, with conservative parties warning about similar challenges ahead in Austria. The AfD and BSW oppose German military support for Ukraine and advocate for renewed economic ties with Russia, raising fears about destabilizing effects on German and European politics.