Putin envoy celebrates AfD's win in Saxony-Anhalt, says Germany has 'woken up'

Germany's far-right AfD party won a decisive victory in the state election in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, securing 43.8 percent of the vote, a major increase from 23 percent in 2021. The result triggered celebration in Moscow, with a key Putin envoy calling it a "historic" win. The CDU, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, suffered a sharp decline, falling from 37.1 percent to 17.2 percent. Putin's special envoy Kirill Dmitrijev praised the result on X, claiming Germany has "woken up" and attacking the "discredited" ruling coalition and Merz. AfD advocates better ties with Russia, including ending German support for Ukraine and resuming energy deals, contrasting with the current government's policy. However, AfD may be excluded from power due to a "firewall" agreement among other major parties, though the left-wing BSW has signaled possible cooperation.