French far‑right stays silent as Germany’s AfD clinches historic win

In Saxony‑Anhalt’s state election, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerged as the largest party, securing an outright plurality, the strongest showing for a far‑right force in Germany since World War II.

Why the result matters beyond Berlin

The win reverberates across the continent, arriving at a moment when France’s National Rally (RN) is positioning itself for the 2027 presidential contest. Marine Le Pen currently leads most opinion polls for a first‑round victory, and any surge in German right‑wing support could pressure her to sharpen her own migration stance.

Both Le Pen and her deputy Jordan Bardella have remained tight‑lipped, a stark contrast to the usual media‑friendly post‑election commentary. Bardella, who formally broke from the AfD in the European Parliament after a senior AfD member downplayed an SS veteran’s criminality, earlier warned that the German party’s “electoral pressure” was pushing Berlin toward a tougher migration line.

"The electoral pressure of the AfD has forced the German government to take a tougher line on migration," Bardella said.

RN lawmakers reinforced the distance. Franck Allisio told LCI the parties have “nothing to do with them”, while Jean‑Philippe Tanguy warned the AfD’s positions run “against the interests of France”. Senior RN MP Philippe Ballard summed up the sentiment: “We take note, the Germans voted for this party, but we do not consider them our allies.”

Other European right‑wing leaders stay quiet

In the United Kingdom, Nigel Farage, head of Reform UK, has offered no comment as he eyes a potential leadership bid. Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni, whose party traces roots to neo‑fascist movements, also refrained from weighing in, keeping the focus on domestic priorities.

What lies ahead for the RN and the broader right

Le Pen continues to champion a “de‑demonisation” strategy, seeking to shed the extremist legacy of her father, Jean‑Marie Le Pen, while maintaining a hard line on issues such as the public ban on Muslim headscarves. The AfD’s surge could test the limits of that approach, especially if voters begin to view the RN’s policies as too moderate compared with their German counterpart.

Analysts suggest the RN may double down on its distinct platform to avoid being lumped together with the AfD, a move that could reshape coalition dynamics in the European Parliament. For Germany, the AfD’s breakthrough is likely to intensify scrutiny from mainstream parties and could influence upcoming national elections.

Further insight into the implications of the Saxony‑Anhalt result can be found in What happens next after the AfD's win in Saxony‑Anhalt? and a background on the party’s extremist reputation at Why the Alternative for Germany is considered a far‑right extremist party.