The CDU’s defeat in Saxony-Anhalt has sent shockwaves through German politics, as Friedrich Merz faces one of the heaviest electoral blows of recent years. The chancellor himself acknowledged that the result has shaken the party and warned that this defeat cannot be treated as a routine episode.
Merz acknowledges the political blow
After an emergency meeting with CDU leaders in Berlin, Merz described the result as a serious defeat, admitting that the party had not anticipated a blow of this magnitude.
According to his statements, the result must be accepted as part of the democratic rules, but political consequences within the CDU already appear unavoidable. His message was clear: the defeat in Saxony-Anhalt is not seen simply as a local problem, but as a significant signal for all of Germany.
AfD gains ground, CDU falls to second place
Alternative for Germany, the far-right party, emerged as the leading force in the Saxony-Anhalt regional parliament election, with a large lead over its opponents, even though it did not reach an absolute majority.
Merz’s CDU came second and suffered considerable losses. This further worsens the chancellor’s political balance sheet, especially after he had previously said he would cut AfD’s support in half, while the result in this state hit his own party instead.
He will not step down, but speaks of a change of course
Despite growing pressure, Merz ruled out, at least for the moment, any personal consequences for himself. He made it clear that resignation is not on the table and that he intends to look for ways to improve the political course in the coming weeks and months.
According to his version, the aim is for politics to be done “differently” and “better,” without abandoning core convictions. This suggests that the chancellor is trying to keep control of the crisis, but without yet offering a concrete formula for the turnaround he is promising.
Message of institutional stability and Europe
In his reaction, Merz also tried to send a reassuring signal to institutions, insisting that Germany’s constitutional order remains strong and that the federal government will guarantee the implementation of the Constitution.
He also stressed that Germany will maintain its strong ties with Europe, at a moment when AfD’s rise is increasing political concerns not only within the country, but also among European partners.
The result in Saxony-Anhalt has significantly increased the pressure on Merz and raised serious questions about the CDU’s ability to halt the advance of the far right.
For now, the chancellor is trying to buy time with the promise of change, but the electoral defeat has turned the crisis from a party problem into a broader test for Germany’s political direction.