Giorgia Meloni on AfD's 44% win in Saxony‑Anhalt: 'Democracy must be respected'

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said democracy must be respected after the far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) strengthened its position in the eastern state of Saxony‑Anhalt, where the party took about 44 percent of the vote and is poised to assume power.

Meloni draws a distinction between Italy and Germany

Speaking about the AfD’s surge, Meloni argued there was no direct parallel with Italy because her right‑of‑center government has provided concrete answers on issues such as immigration that, she said, have driven support for AfD in Germany.

“I believe that democracy must be respected, because it's not only about the values, but also about relations with Europe,” Meloni said, commenting on the outcome in Saxony‑Anhalt and the broader political reactions it produced.

She also noted contrasting responses from Italian political figures: Deputy Prime Minister and Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani described the AfD victory as “a terrible piece of news,” while Matteo Salvini, leader of the right‑wing Lega, welcomed the German right’s success.

Meloni suggested the rise of movements like AfD is fuelled by the perceived inability of Germany’s grand coalition — which combines centre‑right and centre‑left parties — to take clear stances on matters voters consider important.

“These are solutions which, given the difficulties in taking a clear stance on issues important to citizens, ultimately encourage the growth of such movements,” she said, and reiterated that Italy’s current government, she argued, offers decisive answers to those questions, particularly on immigration.

Photo: press material from the event