Merz refuses to resign after AfD's historic win in Saxony-Anhalt

German Chancellor Merz has refused to resign following the far-right AfD's historic election victory in Saxony-Anhalt, calling the result a deep shock and the CDU/CSU's worst in decades. He stated that giving up is not an option. The AfD won 43.8 percent of the vote, more than doubling the CDU's 17.2 percent, and secured 39 of 83 seats. Merz acknowledged personal consequences but pledged to pursue fundamental reforms with his coalition partners, emphasizing Germany's stable institutions. The AfD plans to restrict asylum rights, end LGBTQ education, and separate disabled children in schools. The BSW party has signaled openness to coalition talks, while Merz affirmed unchanged support for Ukraine despite the AfD's pro-Russian stance.