Far-right AfD seeks defectors to govern Saxony-Anhalt after CDU's historic defeat

The far-right AfD party in Germany's Saxony-Anhalt state is seeking defectors from other parties to form a stable government, following its electoral victory, while ruling out governing without a solid majority for now. The CDU, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party, suffered its worst-ever result in the state and has ruled out any governing coalition, with party officials dismissing the possibility of defections. The AfD needs three additional seats for an absolute majority, though a third-round vote could pass with a simple majority if the populist-left BSW party abstains, an option the AfD leader has rejected as unstable. The CDU's historic defeat has triggered an internal crisis, with Sepp Müller positioning to lead the party, while Merz faces growing pressure despite loyalists defending his leadership. Upcoming elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin on September 20 will test the party further.