The far-right Alternative für Deutschland, or AfD, has won regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt, drawing mixed reactions in Slovakia. Prime Minister Robert Fico (SMER-SD) called it the sovereign choice of German voters. He also warned that the result should not lead to what he called an “offer of war with Russia” to cover up the governing parties’ defeat. Opposition leader Michal Šimečka (PS), meanwhile, described the AfD’s strong showing as a warning about the rise of the radical right.
Economists say the result could bring both risks and opportunities for Slovakia: an AfD push to leave the Eurozone could trigger a major economic shock, while a return to Russian energy supplies could lower energy prices in Germany, boost its industry and ultimately benefit the Slovak economy. The AfD won 43.8 percent of the vote on Sunday, taking 39 of the state parliament’s 83 seats, with turnout reaching a record 77.8 percent.
Source: STVR, TASR
