AfD Wins in Saxony‑Anhalt, Merz Faces Setback

The AfD captured a huge share of votes in Saxony‑Anhalt. That dealt a big loss for Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The result shows voters turned away from the centrist coalition that has ruled Germany since the end of World War II.

A poll showed 87 % of voters were unhappy with Merz’s government. Another poll said three‑quarters of people, including almost half of CDU supporters, thought he hurt his party. Voters ignored warnings from business groups, economists and Merz himself that an AfD win could scare away investment and skilled workers.

Merz told his party the result shook them to the core. He again said he will not work with the AfD. The AfD says this win is just the start of a push for the 2029 national election. Their new face, 35‑year‑old TikTok star Ulrich Siegmund, promises a return to a safe Germany. In France, officials called the result a worrying sign of a global populist wave.

Saxony‑Anhalt has about 2.1 million people. It lost roughly a quarter of its residents since reunification. The state is still healing from east‑west division. The economy has revived with chemicals, logistics and green energy. Many voters ignored warnings that an AfD win could scare away foreign investment and skilled workers. Heavy turnout from workers, men and young people helped the AfD. The domestic security service still labels the party as extremist. A political scientist notes the AfD now has a louder voice than other parties.