Germany's far-right AfD seeks decisive blow as Merz lacks plan

Germany's far-right AfD is seeking to convert its sweeping electoral victory into a decisive blow against Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his CDU party, who are in disarray with no clear response. Merz admitted Monday he is part of the problem, with only 9% approval in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD is openly courting conservative lawmakers to defect, aiming to split the CDU and break Merz's control. Merz faces mounting pressure ahead of September 20 elections in two eastern states, with conservatives debating whether to replace him or continue with the deeply unpopular chancellor. The AfD is exploiting the CDU's "firewall" dilemma, accusing Merz of ignoring voters' will while portraying conservatives as "disguised leftists." Merz offered only vague promises to become a more empathetic politician, with no concrete strategy to counter the far-right's effective attacks.