Ulrich Siegmund, center, co-leaders of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla celebrate after exit polls following Saxony-Anhalt's state elections at the fairgrounds in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, Sept. 6. AFP-TNS

The far-right Alternative for Germany’s dramatic election win in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday is a watershed in the country’s postwar history. In a nation known in the modern era for stability, Germans in this small federal region have embraced populist, nationalist ideas in large numbers.

Whether this electoral censure marks the low point for Germany, or the start of a descent into something far worse, is now up to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition. It needs to deliver economic growth and a renewed sense of optimism and trust in democracy. I’m not confident that Merz is up to the task.

After gaining 44 percent of the vote, the AfD doesn’t quite have the seats in Saxony-Anhalt needed to form a state government by itself. While various permutations are possible, in theory it could still end up ruling there, either by securing defections from other parties or with the tacit support of the BSW, a leftist but culturally conservative and Russia-friendly group. Governing would give it authority over domestic security and education.

Whatever happens, its electoral win will further normalize the AfD’s anti-immigrant agenda and policy of drawing closer to Moscow. Skilled migrants and foreign investors might reasonably decide to steer well clear.

It’s true that this former communist state isn’t representative of Germany as a whole. Its 2.1 million residents make up less than 3 percent of the population. The AfD has gained less ground in the more prosperous west of the........

© The Korea Times