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Germany's far-right AfD party won a projected 44% of the vote in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, far ahead of the conservative CDU at 17%, falling just short of an outright majority in the state election. The party hailed the outcome as a 'historic result,' underscoring its growing strength in eastern Germany. Analysts say the result carries broader implications for Germany and Europe, fueling debate over the AfD's rising influence in mainstream politics and its potential impact on national coalition dynamics ahead of future elections. Commentators warn the outcome could embolden far-right movements elsewhere on the continent.