Germany’s AfD surges to record 43.8% in Saxony-Anhalt, shaking Merz and Europe

Germany's far-right AfD party achieved its strongest-ever electoral result, winning 43.8% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt's state election, far ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU at 17.2%, a result that challenges Germany's political firewall against the party. The AfD won 39 of 83 state parliament seats, three short of a majority, leaving its lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund unable to form a government due to the mainstream parties' refusal to cooperate. The result is a major blow to Merz and boosts nationalist parties across Europe ahead of key elections. The AfD campaigns on strict immigration controls, "remigration" policies, ending Ukraine military aid, and closer Russia ties. The result drew attention from President Trump and concern from European officials, while nationalist leaders celebrated it as a sign of growing support for their movements.