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Germany's Merz says victory for AfD in Saxony-Anhalt would deter foreign investors

The anti-migrant Alternative for Germany party surged into first place in Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt, capturing forty-four percent of the vote. The resounding victory marks a major breakthrough for the far-right movement and challenges Germany's mainstream political establishment. While party members hailed the result, the anti-immigrant and pro-Russian party fell short of an absolute majority by three seats. Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared he will not give up following the vote, expressing that he is deeply shocked by the outcome in the eastern state.

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What changed

Exit polls and election results confirmed that the AfD won first place in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, prompting an immediate response from Chancellor Merz on Monday.

Live updates

  1. German Far-Right AfD Wins Saxony-Anhalt State Election

    The anti-migrant Alternative for Germany party surged into first place in Sunday's state election in Saxony-Anhalt, capturing forty-four percent of the vote. The resounding victory marks a major breakthrough for the far-right movement and challenges Germany's mainstream political establishment. While party members hailed the result, the anti-immigrant and pro-Russian party fell short of an absolute majority by three seats. Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared he will not give up following the vote, expressing that he is deeply shocked by the outcome in the eastern state.

    Why it matters

    This election represents a pivotal test for Germany's political firewall against far-right extremism, potentially placing the first far-right party in power since World War II. Ahead of the vote, Chancellor Merz argued that a victory would deter foreign investors, while economists warned of economic disaster. The AfD also seeks to gain ground in upcoming polls in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.

    What is confirmed

    • The anti-migrant Alternative for Germany party surged into first place in state elections in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday, winning forty-four percent of the vote.
    • The AfD fell three seats short of an absolute majority, leaving it unclear whether it can form a government on its own, find a coalition partner, or rule from a minority position.
    • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that he is deeply shocked by the overwhelming victory and that giving up is not an option.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The far-right party could also gain ground in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin polls.

    What to watch next

    • Whether the AfD can secure a coalition partner or attempt to govern from a minority position in Saxony-Anhalt.
    • Potential political fallout and upcoming polls in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. www.foxnews.com — Anti-migrant AfD seeks to break Germany’s political ‘firewall’ in historic state election
    2. www.newsweek.com — Germany Election: AFD Wins, May Be First Far-Right Party in Power Since WW2
    3. www.cnn.com — Germany’s far-right AfD projected to win eastern state but unclear if it will be able to govern
    4. www.aljazeera.com — Far-right AfD wins vote in Germany’s Saxony-Anhalt state: Exit polls
    5. www.yahoo.com — Giving up 'not an option' for Germany's Merz after big AfD victory
    6. www.yahoo.com — Germany's Merz 'deeply shocked' by far-right AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt
    7. www.cnn.com — Mass deportations and separate schools for refugees: The far-right AfD’s vision for Germany
    confidence 100%

  2. AfD eyes breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt state election

    Voters in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt go to the polls this Sunday in an election where the far-right Alternative for Germany party seeks a historic breakthrough. While the AfD promises an "economic boom" if it takes power, economists warn of disaster and Chancellor Friedrich Merz argues a victory would deter foreign investors. The party is poised to win more than 40 percent of the vote, potentially installing the first far-right state governor in Germany since World War II.

    Why it matters

    The election serves as a potential springboard for the AfD to gain national power. A victory would break the post-war firewall against far-right governance in German states. Internal government pressure from these gains coincides with external threats from Russian hybrid campaigns.

    What is confirmed

    • Voters in Saxony-Anhalt vote this Sunday.
    • The AfD is seeking a breakthrough in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
    • A victory would mark the first time the far right has taken power in a German state since World War II.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The AfD is poised to win more than 40 percent of the votes in the state.
    • Russian hybrid campaigns pose a twin threat to Chancellor Merz alongside AfD gains.

    What to watch next

    • Official election results from Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday
    • Statements from economists regarding specific AfD policy impacts
    • Confirmation of the final vote percentage for the AfD
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. www.yahoo.com — Germany's far-right AfD promises 'boom' but economists fear worst
    2. www.yahoo.com — What would a far-right win in Saxony-Anhalt mean for Germany and Merz?
    3. www.yahoo.com — Germany's far-right AfD aims for breakthrough in state election
    4. www.cfr.org — Far-Right AfD and Russian Hybrid Campaign Pose Twin Threat for Germany’s Merz
    5. www.aljazeera.com — Germany’s far right eyes election breakthrough as AfD surges in Saxony
    6. eualive.net — AfD poised to break Germany’s post-war firewall in Saxony-Anhalt
    confidence 90%

  3. Merz warns AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt would deter foreign investment

    Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns that an Alternative for Germany (AfD) victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections would discourage foreign investors and create problems for the region. The AfD lead candidate has rejected these claims, denying that a win would cause major damage. This election could result in the first far-right state governor in modern German history, as the party views the small eastern state as a potential springboard toward national power.

    Why it matters

    Saxony-Anhalt is a key eastern state where far-right sentiment has grown. Mainstream parties are struggling to respond to the AfD's rise. A victory here would mark a significant shift in Germany's regional governance.

    What is confirmed

    • Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that an AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt would deter foreign investors.
    • The AfD lead candidate rejected Merz's claim that a party win would cause major damage.
    • The upcoming election in Saxony-Anhalt could produce the first far-right state governor in modern Germany.

    What to watch next

    • The official results of the Saxony-Anhalt state election
    • The formation of a state government coalition
    • Further responses from foreign investment firms regarding the election outcome
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. The New York Times — Far Right Is Poised to Win in a German State, but Fight Over Power Won’t End There
    2. The Guardian — The Guardian view on the rise of Germany’s AfD: mainstream parties must deliver a bolder response | Editorial
    3. dw.com — Germany: Merz warns of 'problems' in Saxony-Anhalt under AfD
    4. Reuters — Germany's Merz says victory for AfD in Saxony-Anhalt would deter foreign investors
    5. AP News — An upcoming election could produce modern Germany’s 1st far-right state governor
    6. politico.eu — Germany’s far right eyes small eastern state as springboard to national power
    7. www.yahoo.com — Merz warns of 'angry citizens' at Saxony-Anhalt campaign stop
    8. www.yahoo.com — AfD candidate rejects Merz's claim that win would cause major damage
    confidence 90%