Merz calls AfD win a tectonic shift
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented on the victory of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the regional elections in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt.
Consensus
- Friedrich Merz described the AfD's victory in the Saxony-Anhalt regional elections as a 'tectonic shift in the party system'.
- Merz acknowledged that his party, the CDU, failed to establish an emotional connection with voters.
- The AfD won the regional election in Saxony-Anhalt with a significant share of votes.
- Merz stated that neither his party nor the federal government can return to the previous political status quo.
- The CDU suffered a major defeat in the election.
- The AfD's victory is described as the largest in its history.
- Merz emphasized that Germany has strong constitutional tools to protect the state from radical governments.
- The election took place on September 6.
- The voter turnout was 77.8%.
Points of divergence
- Exits polls reported AfD support at 44.5% and CDU at 18.5%. — vm
- AfD received 43.8% of votes, CDU received 17.2%, and the voter turnout was 77.8%. The CDU's loss was described as 'dramatic'. — vedomosti
- AfD received 43.8%, CDU received 17.2%. Merz stated that the situation is a serious test for the CDU. — vesti
- Exits polls reported AfD support at 43.8% and CDU at 17.2%. — kommersant
- A YouGov poll for DPA found that 36% of Germans believe Merz will not remain in office until the 2029 federal elections, with 18% expecting his resignation by end of 2026. — vedomosti
- AfD's co-chair Tino Chrupalla stated the party would seek to restore relations with Russia and change sanctions policy. — kommersant
- The German government officially accused Russia of attempting a drone attack on Leipzig airport and denounced the Russian House agreement in Berlin, and decided to close the Russian consulate in Bonn by September 18. — vm
Coverage (4 sources)
- Merz claims «shift in party system» after AfD victory in elections — Вечерняя Москва
- Merz: Germany observes a 'tectonic shift' after the victory of the AfD in the elections — Ведомости
- Merz declares tectonic shift in German party system — Вести
- Merts declared a 'shift in the party system' after AdG's victory in the elections — Коммерсантъ
Key entities
- Friedrich Merz
- AdG
- Germany
- CDU
- Alternative for Germany (AfD)
- FRG
- Bild
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Moscow
- Alternative for Germany (AdG)