Merz stated that he did not expect the AfD's victory in the Saxony-Anhalt elections

"This morning, of course, we discussed the election results—first at a meeting of the Presidium and then at a meeting of the Federal Executive Committee of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). I can tell you that we are all deeply shaken. Naturally, we did not expect such a result", Merz said.

"We must, of course, accept it; those are the rules of our democracy". 

But since yesterday, the situation has changed—not just in Saxony-Anhalt, but across all of Germany. These election results will have consequences; they will also impact the international situation.

Election Results & Seat Distribution

 The regional parliament (Landtag) consists of 83 total seats, meaning 42 seats are required for an absolute majority.

Political Party                                         Vote Share (%)    Seats Won 

 Alternative for Germany (AfD)                43.8%                          39

 Christian Democratic Union (CDU)         17.2%                          15

 Social Democratic Party (SPD)                  9.3%                           8

 Green Party (Grüne)                                   8.9%                           8

 Left Party (Die Linke)                                8.6%                           8

 Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW)         5.3%                           5