AfD’s shocking result in Saxony-Anhalt, Merz gathers CDU leaders

The far-right AfD scored a sweeping victory in the local elections in Saxony-Anhalt, while the governing CDU suffered a far greater defeat than expected. The party secured around 17% of the vote, a result that had not been predicted by any poll, after winning 37% in the previous election.

With 43.8% of the vote, the AfD failed to win an absolute majority of seats in the state parliament, but the figure represents a major blow to the Christian Democratic Union. A somber mood prevailed at the CDU headquarters in Magdeburg, as confirmation of the initial results made the AfD’s lead clear. Meanwhile, in Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz called an emergency meeting with the party leadership.

CDU members are now debating whether the chancellor should also bear responsibility for the defeat. During the campaign in Saxony-Anhalt, Merz faced difficulties and was met with jeers and protests on several occasions. The CDU also excluded him from some of its campaign events. Post-election analyses indicate that part of the support for the AfD may have been a protest vote against the government and Merz himself.

The German chancellor is facing low levels of personal support, while the AfD is expanding its influence not only in eastern Germany but also nationwide. Bild journalist Paul Ronzheimer was among the most vocal critics, publicly questioning whether Merz can continue to lead the CDU after this defeat. However, the party has not yet made a decision about the chancellor’s future.

Attention is now turning to the next regional elections, which will be held on September 20 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin. For the CDU, the task is clear: to regain voters’ trust and curb the AfD’s advance.