Saxony-Anhalt Election: Far-Right AfD Wins, Government Formation Uncertain

The far-right AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt with 43.8 percent of the vote but missed an absolute majority, leaving government formation uncertain. The CDU suffered heavy losses, finishing second with 17.2 percent. CDU leader Friedrich Merz said he was "deeply shocked" by the result, which he said will have national consequences. The AfD has invited all parties to coalition talks, while the BSW has signaled it may help AfD candidate Ulrich Siegmund become minister-president in a third-round vote. The previous CDU-SPD-FDP coalition lost its majority. All other parties have ruled out cooperating with the AfD, which is classified as right-wing extremist, leaving no clear majority option without them.