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

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a political crisis after the far-right AfD won a historic regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, putting the party in position to lead a German state for the first time since 1945. The AfD secured 44% of the vote against less than 18% for Merz's CDU, falling just three seats short of an absolute majority. The result marks a major setback for Merz, who had promised to curb the anti-immigration party's rise since taking office in May 2025. The CDU rules out any alliance with the AfD, leaving uncertain coalition talks and potential deals with smaller parties. The outcome has shocked Germany due to its Nazi past, with Jewish leader Charlotte Knobloch calling it a nightmare. Merz, already weakened by coalition disputes, faces two more state elections on September 20.