Friedrich Merz Expresses Shock as AfD Wins Landslide Victory in Saxony-Anhalt State Election
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed shock following the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's landslide victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election. The AfD secured approximately 44% of the vote, more than doubling its share from the 2021 election, while the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) fell to a distant second with 17.2% of the vote. Merz stated that the result was a severe electoral defeat for the CDU and noted that nearly 60% of voters chose parties that question democracy. He emphasized that the country requires fundamental reforms and intends to create a better narrative for future policies. The AfD, which domestic intelligence classifies as confirmed right-wing extremist, aims to form a government despite lacking an absolute majority. The party's manifesto includes a radical overhaul of migration policy, including the immediate deportation of irregular migrants and a "remigration" offensive. The AfD also pledged to overhaul school curricula to focus on traditional German values and national pride. While the AfD seeks to form a government, Merz has ruled out cooperation with the main party, maintaining a "firewall" against the far-right.
Sources
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Merz 'deeply shocked' after major AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt
Euronews.com
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‘It breaks my heart’: far-right’s big election victory sparks dismay in German state capital
The Guardian
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Mass deportations and separate schools for refugees: The far-right AfD’s vision for Germany
CNN