German chancellor under pressure after far-right AfD landslide in Saxony-Anhalt
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces mounting pressure after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won a landslide victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, potentially leading the first far-right state government since the Nazi era. The AfD secured 43.8% of the vote, more than doubling its previous share, while Merz's Christian Democrats (CDU) fell to 17.2%, losing half their support after leading the state for 24 years. The result weakens Merz nationally, as he had vowed to curb the AfD's influence. Coalition talks are expected to be complex, with the AfD potentially governing with the hard-left BSW party. The outcome has drawn international reactions, including congratulations from Elon Musk and right-wing leaders, while Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned it.