Friedrich Merz reacts sharply after AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt: “This shakes the party to its foundations”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reacted with dismay after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s landslide victory in the regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt. At a meeting of the CDU’s federal executive committee held on Monday morning, he said the result represented a major blow to the party and the federal government.

“This shakes our party to its foundations,” Merz reportedly said, according to information published by Bild. The chancellor acknowledged that the CDU had failed to establish an emotional connection with voters and described the defeat as a “deep rupture.”

Merz argued that Germany has institutions and constitutional instruments to defend democracy against a potential far-right regional government. However, he ruled out any cooperation with the AfD and said that the party’s objective was the “complete destruction of the CDU.” The chancellor called for party unity and respect for the conservative tradition associated with Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl.

The election in Saxony-Anhalt was considered the first major electoral test for the government led by Merz, whose popularity has declined amid economic difficulties and discontent over immigration. The AfD has recorded steady gains since entering the Bundestag in 2017 and is the main opposition party.

Pressure on the chancellor could increase ahead of the next regional elections. There are already fears within the CDU of a snowball effect, while some voices are openly discussing Merz’s future, including the possibility of replacing him before the 2029 federal elections.(-)