German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to remain in office after the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) won a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, a result he said shook his conservative CDU 'to its very foundations'.
Key facts
- The far-right AfD won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would stay in office despite the result.
- Merz said the victory shook his conservative CDU 'to its very foundations'.
- The Guardian described the AfD as anti-immigrant and pro-Kremlin.
- Merz appeared 'ashen-faced' before reporters in Berlin on Monday.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to stay in office despite a triumph by the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, according to the Guardian.
Speaking to reporters in Berlin on Monday, a “shocked” and chastened Merz said the landslide victory had shaken his conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) “to its very foundations”.
The Guardian reported that the result brought anti-immigrant, pro-Kremlin politicians within striking distance of power in the state.
Merz appeared ashen-faced during his remarks, the newspaper said, as he addressed the scale of the defeat for his party.
Despite the setback, the chancellor made clear he intended to remain in his role, framing the outcome as a serious challenge rather than a reason to step aside.
Why it matters
The AfD's strong showing signals rising support for the far right in Germany and pressure on the country's mainstream conservative bloc. With the party described as anti-immigrant and pro-Kremlin, the result carries implications for German politics and its stance toward Russia.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Saxony-Anhalt state election?
The far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) won the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, according to the Guardian.
Is Friedrich Merz resigning after the result?
No. Merz has vowed to stay in office despite the AfD's victory, though he said the outcome shook his CDU 'to its very foundations'.
How did Merz describe the AfD's win?
Merz, appearing ashen-faced before reporters in Berlin, said he was 'shocked' and that the landslide had shaken his conservative party to its foundations.