Merz faces political crisis after far-right AfD's regional election triumph in Saxony-Anhalt

German Chancellor Merz faces a political crisis after the far-right AfD won a historic regional election victory in Saxony-Anhalt, securing 44% of the vote against the CDU's less than 18%. The AfD, led by Ulrich Siegmund, fell just three seats short of an absolute majority in the regional parliament, potentially needing alliances with smaller parties like the left-wing BSW. The result has shocked Germany, given the country's deep historical sensitivity to far-right extremism, with Jewish community leader Charlotte Knobloch expressing horror at the outcome. Merz, already weakened by coalition disputes and economic challenges, now faces internal pressure and calls for stability. Two more state elections are scheduled for September 20, with the AfD also leading in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and competitive in Berlin.