AfD's Saxony-Anhalt Win Deals Blow to Merz and Alarms Europe
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, delivering a major defeat to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his Christian Democrats while signaling a broader populist wave across Europe. The result, which left the AfD just short of an absolute majority, was driven by voter anger over the economy, pensions, and immigration. A poll found 87% of voters were unhappy with Merz's government, and he has ruled out cooperating with the AfD despite the setback. The victory highlights persistent east-west divisions in Germany and poses challenges for the federal government. It also serves as a warning to other European nations, with France's finance minister calling the outcome a "very, very worrying signal" ahead of its own elections.