AfD Beats Merz's CDU in Saxony-Anhalt With 43.8%

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) beat Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU in Saxony-Anhalt in early September 2026, taking 43.8% — just short of an absolute majority, or enough seats to govern alone. Merz leads Germany nationally with the SPD as partner. How that coalition holds under AfD pressure will shape Berlin's room to act in Europe.