Germany's Merz 'deeply shocked' by far-right AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he is "deeply shocked" by the overwhelming victory for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

The far-right party won a record 43.8% of the vote, its best-ever showing in a German state election, with Merz's conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) falling to just 17.2%. 

"This is the heaviest defeat the CDU has suffered in years, decades," said Merz. 

He said the election in Saxony-Anhalt has caused "major upheaval" for both his party and the country, that it has affected him personally, and that it also has "implications for the international situation."

The chancellor promised citizens that Germany's "institutions are resilient and stable," adding that his government will "ensure that the constitution is upheld."

The message also goes to the country's partners in Europe and the entire world, Merz stated. "We know that Germany carries a special responsibility due to its history."

German churches, trade union voice concern over AfD state victory

German churches and trade union representatives expressed deep concern at the victory by the AfD.

The large Verdi services trade union likewise termed the result "bitter and alarming."

"This state election has fundamentally changed the political situation in Saxony-Anhalt. The state is divided," said Friedrich Kramer and Gerhard Feige, the respective bishops of the state's Protestant and Catholic churches.

"Our concern is for social peace and for people living together in our federal state," the bishops added.

Congratulations from around the world

Worries for some, joy for others. Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who has previously expressed support for the AfD, congratulated the party on its election victory and was immediately offered a potential cooperation deal.

"Well done!" Musk wrote on his social media platform X in response to a post by AfD co-leader Alice Weidel congratulating the party's lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund on the result.

Siegmund promptly replied to Musk, the world's richest man, thanking him for his "support."

"If we take responsibility here, I would very much welcome the opportunity for strong and constructive cooperation. Germany would once again be a place worth investing in," Siegmund wrote. "Best regards from Saxony-Anhalt!"

Richard Grenell, the former US ambassador to Germany, also congratulated the AfD on X. "A huge win and a new day in Germany," wrote Grenell, who, like Musk, has close ties to US President Donald Trump and has repeatedly drawn controversy during his time as a diplomat in Germany.

Congratulations on the election results also came from Spain, Portugal, and Hungary.

"Congratulations, Alice Weidel and Ulrich Siegmund, on this spectacular result, which represents great hope for Germany and Europe," Spanish Vox party leader, Santiago Abascal, wrote on X on Sunday. André Ventura, leader of the Portuguese Chega (Enough) far-right party, also wrote on X of the AfD's "historic victory." 

"A huge night for Germany and Europe!" Hungary's former prime minister Viktor Orbán wrote on X on Sunday. "Congratulations to Alice Weidel, Ulrich Siegmund and the entire AfD on their landslide victory in Saxony-Anhalt! Buckle up. This is just the beginning!"