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

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a political crisis after his Christian Democrats were crushed by the far-right Alternative for Germany party in a state election, potentially leading to the first far-right state government since the Nazi era. The AfD won 43.8% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, more than doubling its previous share, while the CDU fell to 17.2%, losing half its support. AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund aims to become governor, though coalition talks will be complicated. The AfD, classified as extremist, is strongest in the less prosperous east. A five-party coalition excluding the AfD is possible but unlikely, and defections could give the party a majority. The result may energize AfD in upcoming state elections.