Germany’s political landscape has been shaken after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) finished first in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, marking a major breakthrough for the party.
The result has intensified pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative government, with the AfD now seeking to capitalize on its historic performance and potentially push toward taking power at the state level.
Merz ruled out cooperation with the AfD on Monday, while acknowledging that the election result had shaken his party “to its very foundations,” according to Reuters.
The result is particularly significant because the AfD has never previously led a state government in postwar Germany. The party is now attempting to attract support from lawmakers within Merz’s conservative camp as it considers its next political steps.
The development comes as Germany faces wider political debates over immigration, the economy and national security. The AfD’s growing support has also raised concerns among its political opponents about the direction of German politics.
Merz’s refusal to work with the party means forming a government in Saxony-Anhalt could become complicated, potentially requiring cooperation between other political parties.
The election is expected to become an important test of whether the AfD’s growing popularity can translate into governing power and whether Germany’s mainstream parties can maintain their long-standing political barriers against the far right.
