Far-right AfD begins coalition talks in Saxony-Anhalt after state election win

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has begun coalition talks in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt after becoming the largest party in the state election, though it fell three seats short of a majority. AfD state premier candidate Siegmund said talks have started to secure lawmakers, while mainstream parties maintain a "firewall" refusing cooperation. The left-wing BSW party, which won five seats, is open to case-by-case cooperation on shared policies like anti-immigration and pro-Russia stances. Chancellor Merz of the CDU, which lost significant seats, called it the heaviest defeat in decades but vowed to maintain Ukraine support and his reform agenda while improving communication with voters.