AfD calls for coalition talks after near-majority win in German state election

Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has called on other parties to cooperate with them following a strong performance in a recent state election. The party fell just three seats short of an outright majority, leaving it unable to govern alone. AfD leaders argued that democratic principles require rival parties to engage with them in coalition negotiations. The result marks a significant milestone for the far-right party, which has long been shunned by mainstream German political groups. It remains unclear whether established parties will agree to work with the AfD to form a state government.