German media call AfD's Saxony-Anhalt win a 'political earthquake'

Germany's far-right AfD party won a historic victory in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election, with projections showing it securing 44% of the vote, its best result ever in a state election and nearly an absolute majority. The CDU suffered a heavy defeat, dropping from 37.1% in 2021 to around 18%. German media described the outcome as a "political earthquake," with Chancellor Friedrich Merz facing significant pressure. The final seat distribution will determine whether the AfD can govern alone or whether other parties must form a coalition without the far-right. Economists and business leaders warned that an AfD government could hinder foreign worker recruitment and investment. The result also raises questions about whether current regional leader Sven Schulze can continue governing.