AfD wins state vote, demands snap elections, predicts Merz out by Christmas

Germany's far-right AfD party won a state election in Saxony-Anhalt with about 44% of the vote. Party leader Alice Weidel called the result historic and demanded early federal elections, predicting Chancellor Friedrich Merz will be replaced by Christmas. Weidel said the victory is a clear mandate to govern and that the AfD will lead Saxony-Anhalt. She attributed the success to Germans being tired of politicians who govern against national interests, and promised to control borders, deport criminals, and cut unnecessary spending. Weidel also defended opening a diplomatic channel with Russia and positioning Germany as a neutral mediator in the conflict. She predicted the CDU will keep falling while the AfD grows, aiming for 40% support nationally.