Berlin, Germany – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s resounding victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections will not alter the federal government’s policies or its support for Ukraine, despite the far-right party’s significant lead in the election results. The AfD garnered approximately 44% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, far surpassing Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU). This victory represents a historic breakthrough for the party, bringing it closer to the possibility of forming a state government. However, it does not yet hold an absolute majority in the state parliament.
Mertz’s position on Ukraine
Merz emphasized Berlin’s continued support for Ukraine in the face of the Russian war, despite the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s pro-Russian stance and criticism of German military aid to Kyiv. The German chancellor’s position comes at a time when his coalition is facing increasing political pressure. This follows the decline in popularity of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the rise of the right-wing party in several regions, particularly in eastern Germany.
The rise of the right wing is putting pressure on the government.
The Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) gains have raised concerns about the implications of the result for German and European politics, particularly given the party’s call to end support for Ukraine and restore economic and political ties with Russia. However, Merz has reiterated his refusal to cooperate with the party, adhering to what is known in Germany as the political “firewall,” which prevents mainstream parties from forming coalitions with the AfD. The Saxony-Anhalt result is a significant blow to the Chancellor and his party, but it does not grant the next state government direct power to alter German foreign policy. That remains the prerogative of the federal government.
