Merz Admits CDU's Worst Defeat in Decades as AfD Wins Big in Saxony-Anhalt
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz admitted his party suffered its worst defeat in decades in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, where the far-right AfD won over 44% of the vote, saying the CDU is "shaken to its foundations" but refusing to resign. Merz pledged fundamental reforms and stronger EU anchoring, insisting "surrendering is not an option." The AfD's victory more than doubled its 2021 result, while the CDU collapsed to 17.2% with record 80% turnout. Outgoing CDU governor Sven Schulze conceded his party lost its mandate to govern, saying it now belongs to the AfD. AfD leaders Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla called Merz "a burden for Germany" and announced dialogue offers to all parties to form a regional government. International reactions included Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani calling it "worrying but regional," Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez warning of far-right advances across Europe, and Elon Musk congratulating the AfD. Italian politician Roberto Vannacci praised the result as a "popular wave against elites."