Merz's party loses big in Saxony-Anhalt, raising doubts about his leadership

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faces a political crisis after his party suffered a devastating loss in Saxony-Anhalt's regional election, where the far-right AfD secured a landslide victory. The result has raised questions about his leadership and Germany's stability. The AfD won 43.8% of the vote, more than doubling its previous share, while Merz's CDU fell to 17.2%, losing about half its support. The outcome has been framed as a major blow to the chancellor's authority and a potential crack in Europe's post-war political structure. The election result has drawn international reactions, with Poland condemning the AfD's success and Russia praising it. The defeat highlights Germany's struggles with sluggish economic growth and a deeply divided population, raising concerns about governance of Europe's largest economy.