Germany's far-right AfD set for big win in eastern state, just short of majority

NEW: Germany's far-right AfD projected to win the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt with a record 44% of the vote, more than double the conservative CDU on 17%, but falling just short of a majority to govern.

The far-right AfD just took 44 percent in a German state election. Double anything a far-right party has managed since the war.

Saxony-Anhalt, in the east, 2.1 million people. The AfD more than doubled its 2021 result, the conservative CDU limped in at 17, and you can see the celebrations in Magdeburg here. State leader Ulrich Siegmund called it sensational and said he wants to govern as soon as possible. One problem for him, 39 projected seats when he needs 42 for a majority, and he's refusing to lead a minority government. His answer, force new elections and, in his words, take 50 or 55 percent next time.

The reaction tells you how big this is. Donald Trump posted the projection on Truth Social, a Kremlin envoy called it historic, and Poland's Donald Tusk said only idiots and traitors can rejoice at it. Germany's main channel even cancelled its Sunday crime drama to cover the fallout.

No far-right party has controlled a German state since World War Two. That line is now three seats away.

This is Sara White, reporting for HIT.