Summary
In a state election in western Germany, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party increased its voter share significantly. This rise in support highlights the party's growing popularity beyond its traditional eastern base. The Christian Democratic Union won the election, while the AfD finished third with 19.5% of the vote.
Key Facts
- The AfD party more than doubled its vote share in the Rhineland-Palatinate state election.
- AfD received 19.5% of the vote, up from 8.3% in the last election five years ago.
- The ruling Christian Democratic Union won the election with 30% of the votes.
- The Social Democrats fell to 26%, losing their control of the state after 35 years.
- The AfD's results in Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Wurttemberg show its increasing influence in western Germany.
- The AfD is gaining national popularity and often competes closely with the conservative party in polls.
