Merkel calls AfD's Saxony-Anhalt win 'shocking' and urges new voter outreach

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the far-right AfD's election victory in Saxony-Anhalt a "real turning point" and said the result was "shocking," urging democratic parties to change their communication approach with voters. Speaking on September 8 at the Digital X event in Cologne, Merkel, still a CDU member, said her "heart bleeds" over the result. The AfD won 43.8% of votes, becoming the strongest force in the state. She highlighted the party's strong presence on social media and called for better engagement with voters there. Merkel ruled out cooperation with the AfD, reaffirming the "firewall" principle, but warned against excessive focus on the party itself. She urged democratic parties to emphasize their own priorities. Thousands protested against the AfD in Berlin near the Brandenburg Gate.