AfD's Saxe-Anhalt win sparks alarm across Europe
Germany's far-right AfD party won a historic victory in Saxe-Anhalt, prompting Chancellor Friedrich Merz to call it a political turning point and a warning for the federal government. Merz, whose CDU party suffered a major defeat in a region it governed for over two decades, said he was "deeply shocked" and acknowledged responsibility, but ruled out resigning, vowing to continue reforms and defend Germany's constitution. The SPD coalition partner reiterated its refusal to cooperate with the AfD, while the left-wing BSW party has opened the door to possible collaboration. International reactions included French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot urging resistance to normalizing far-right ideas, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warning of growing extremism, and Elon Musk, a long-time AfD supporter, celebrating the win. President Donald Trump shared election results on his platform, while France's National Rally remained silent after distancing itself from the AfD in 2024.