Far-right win in German state shocks chancellor, delights MAGA, worries Spain
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was "deeply shocked" after the far-right AfD party's historic regional election win in Saxony-Anhalt, while vowing to continue his reform agenda. The result has drawn praise from US MAGA figures and concern from Spain's leader. Merz acknowledged responsibility for the defeat but ruled out resignation, insisting "giving up is not an option" and that he was elected for four years. He promised to defend Germany's constitution and European anchoring, noting the AfD's rise changes dynamics nationwide ahead of two more regional votes on September 20. US figures including Elon Musk and Richard Grenell celebrated the outcome, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned the extremist threat is advancing in Europe. The AfD fell three seats short of an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt.