Merz faces political crisis after AfD's historic win in Saxony-Anhalt

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a political crisis after the anti-immigration, pro-Russian AfD party won a historic regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, putting the far right in position to lead a German state for the first time since 1945. The result is a major blow to Merz's chancellorship. The AfD, led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, secured 44% of the vote, far ahead of Merz's CDU with under 18%. The AfD is three seats short of an absolute majority and may seek alliances, with the left-wing BSW party potentially playing a kingmaker role. All mainstream parties, including the CDU, rule out cooperation with the AfD. Merz, already weakened by coalition infighting and economic challenges, faces two more state elections on September 20. Political analysts predict a major realignment of Germany's party landscape, while Jewish community leader Charlotte Knobloch expressed horror at the far right's electoral success.