How did Germany's far right win the presidency of a state parliament?

In Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt's parliament convened to elect its leader, marking the first time in postwar German history that a representative from a party classified as right-wing extremist won the presidency of a state legislature.

In the secret ballot, lawmakers cast 82 votes. Alternative for Germany candidate Tobias Rausch won with 48 votes, four more than AfD and BSW seats combined, so at least some yes votes came from outside that bloc. Another 29 voted against him, and 5 abstained.

Party leaders across Germany condemned the outcome, prompting Social Democratic Party federal chairman Lars Klingbeil to criticize the cross-party support: It is a taboo breach to elect right-wing extremists to such offices.