Merkel's 'heart bleeds' after AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt
The far-right AfD party achieved a significant election victory in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, drawing criticism from former Chancellor Angela Merkel and praise from US President Donald Trump. The results have sparked protests and raised concerns among German economists.
Why it matters
The rise of the AfD signals a shift in German political sentiment, potentially impacting national stability and international relations.
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel called the results in Saxony-Anhalt "simply shocking," and warned of the dangers of feelings trumping facts. The latest PISA education test scores also have Germany reeling.
https://p.dw.com/p/5M7YW Merkel was speaking at the Digital X event in Cologne on Tuesday Image: Jens Krick/Flashpic/picture alliance Advertisement Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know These updates have been closed. Thank you for joining us.
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09/09/2026 September 9, 2026 US President Trump lauds AfD's 'big night' US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called out the AfD's election victory in Saxony-Anhalt, writing on social media, "The Populist Party in Germany just had a really big night."
Also covering this story
11 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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