Saxony, the far-right triumphs. Salvini rejoices, Tajani: "It's a worrying sign."
The AfD's victory has received a mixed reception within the majority. For the center-left, however, it's "a wake-up call."Ulrich Siegmund (Ansa-Epa)
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There has also been a wave of political backlash in Italy following the victory of the far-right AfD party in the regional elections in Saxony.
"A worrying signal. But it's a local, regional vote," commented Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani , national coordinator of Forza Italia, who added: "The vote in Saxony was widely expected; it was known that the AfD could have a clear victory. After all, they reap most of their successes in East Germany." But, "Germany is Germany," the Foreign Minister continued, "Italy is Italy. Completely different realities; there is still discontent over the unification of the two Germanies. Of course, we must react."
Reactions within the rest of the center-right were mixed: "Congratulations to our friend Alice Weidel and the entire AfD for the victory in Saxony-Anhalt! A resounding success , which highlights the strong demand for change, security, and jobs. In the face of those on the left who stoked fears and catastrophic scenarios," wrote Deputy Prime Minister and Lega leader Matteo Salvini on social media.
«For me, this vote is a positive thing, considering that the left has lost», says Galeazzo Bignami, leader of the FdI group in the Chamber of Deputies.
"Europe is changing. Merz has an ulcer," commented Roberto Vannacci , leader of Futuro Nazionale, on social media.
As for the left, according to Nicola Fratoianni , co-leader of AVS, " Europe risks sinking . This must be a powerful wake-up call: we need to mobilize immediately, even in Italy, to dismantle right-wing extremism. In Germany, they call themselves Nazism with a nice face."
Democratic Party MEP Sandro Ruotolo agrees: "The 44 percent vote obtained by Alternative für Deutschland in Saxony is not a local event. It's a sign that should concern all of Europe. In Germany, where post-war democracy was built partly on the understanding that what happened must not be repeated, a result of this magnitude demands profound reflection."
In Saxony-Anhalt, Alternative fur Deutschland, led by Ulrich Siegmund, emerged as the strongest party, with a record 44% of the vote. However, it cannot govern alone and will have to seek alliances, otherwise, as Siegmund himself feared, there could be a resurgence of new elections.
(Unioneonline/lf)