Following the AfD’s victory in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany’s traditional major parties are facing intense pressure, according to Federal Chancellor and CDU chief Friedrich Merz. Merz stated that “the two great parties we once had are seriously in danger” after meeting with the party executive. While he acknowledged that the SPD has long been facing challenges, he added that the CDU is also at risk. He stressed that the Union must become more deeply rooted in the general populace and find widespread approval, which, in his view, requires defending both the fundamental values of the Basic Law and the core principles of the CDU itself.
Focusing on the possibility of an AfD-led regional government in Saxony-Anhalt, Merz specifically addressed the handling of minorities. He asserted that if the AfD government crossed boundaries, the federal government would take every measure “to correct this.” Merz also emphasized that the Basic Law applies fully and unconditionally in Saxony-Anhalt, even under an AfD Minister-President.
Furthermore, he drew attention to the constitutional mandate for loyalty to the federal state. He noted that this is particularly relevant in policy areas under the jurisdiction of the federal government, such as immigration and foreigner policy. While local states have certain leeway in concrete implementation, the essential political guidelines are set at the federal level. “The general principles of this policy are decided in Berlin, not in Magdeburg,” Merz stated.
Merz made these remarks after the AfD achieved a historic electoral success in Saxony-Anhalt, reaching 43.8 percent in the state election and becoming the clear leading force, though narrowly missing an absolute majority. Conversely, the CDU only secured 17.2 percent, roughly halving its result from five years prior.
