Far-right AfD scores record win in German state election

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt with a record 44.4 percent of the vote, according to an exit poll released by public broadcaster ARD.

In the 83-seat state parliament, the AfD is projected to secure 39 seats, three seats shy of an absolute majority needed to govern alone. The AfD's 35-year-old state lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund hailed the result, declaring that "the people have sent a clear signal." Speaking to ARD, Siegmund also signaled a shift from his pre-election stance of only seeking office through an absolute majority, noting that his party is now open to a coalition.