European leaders alarmed by far-right AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt

European leaders reacted with alarm to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election on Sunday, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz calling the defeat "shocking." The AfD won 43.8% of the vote and 39 seats, while the CDU, which has governed the state since 2002, received 17.2% and 15 seats. Merz reiterated his refusal to work with the AfD and promised to continue unpopular economic reforms, despite the result. French ministers called it a "very worrying sign" and a "very grave moment for Europe," while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said only "idiots or traitors" would celebrate the AfD's triumph. The AfD is now seeking a coalition partner to form the first far-right state government in Germany since World War II, though the CDU and most other parties have ruled out cooperation. The anti-immigration, pro-Russian Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance holds five seats, enough to potentially enable an AfD-led government.