The Economic Times

Everything happening in Europe is result of systemic mistakes by the West: Putin on rise of 'Alternative for Germany'

Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Western systemic mistakes for current European challenges. The far-right Alternative for Germany party surged to first place in Saxony-Anhalt elections. This historic win marks the first time a far-right party topped a state election since World War II. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel acknowledged some past decisions fueled support for the AfD. Mainstream parties maintain a refusal to cooperate with the AfD, known as the 'firewall'.