Merz faces political crisis after far-right AfD wins historic Saxony-Anhalt election

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a political crisis Monday after the far-right AfD won a historic regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, putting the anti-immigration party in position to lead a German state for the first time since 1945. The AfD secured 44% of the vote, far ahead of Merz's CDU at under 18%. The result is a major setback for Merz, who took office in May 2025 promising to curb the AfD's rise. The party, led by 35-year-old Ulrich Siegmund, is three seats short of an absolute majority in the regional parliament, potentially needing alliances or defections to govern. The CDU rules out any cooperation with the AfD, leaving an uncertain path forward. The outcome has shocked Germany, where contrition for Nazi crimes remains deeply rooted. Jewish community leader Charlotte Knobloch called it a nightmare scenario. Merz, already weakened by coalition infighting and economic challenges, faces two more regional elections on September 20, with polls showing the AfD leading in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.