Angela Merkel calls AfD's victory in Saxony-Anhalt 'simply shocking'

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has described the resounding victory for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt as "simply shocking."

Speaking at an event hosted by German telecoms provider Deutsche Telekom in Cologne on Tuesday, Merkel said her party - the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) - had suffered a clear defeat. 

"As a member of the CDU, my heart is bleeding," said Merkel, who led the country between 2005 and 2021. "We are witnessing a turning point, a real turning point in German history."

The comments came two days after the AfD won a record 43.8% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, narrowly missing out an absolute majority of seats in the state parliament. The CDU sank to 17.2% and is likely to go into opposition, with the AfD seeking to form a minority government.

Merkel said democratic parties must adopt a different approach to engage more effectively with the public and explain progress more clearly by "addressing citizens on an individual basis." 

Many citizens no longer attach importance to facts and instead rely on emotions, Merkel said, warning that such an attitude must not become widespread. 

"It was the achievement of the Enlightenment that people agreed on facts," she said. If emotion is to take precedence over facts, this would represent a step backwards for civilization, she added.

Digital X conference in Cologne

Merkel, who has tended to steer clear of politics since standing down, was also due to comment to participate in a discussion about freedom in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). 

Other speakers at the Digital X conference included North Rhine-Westphalia Premier Hendrik Wüst, who was set to discuss the importance of AI for his state's industrial sector.

Bavarian Premier Markus Söder was also scheduled to speak, and former economics minister Robert Habeck was due to address Europe's future in the global power struggle.

Digital X has been held since 2018. In its early years, the Telekom executive responsible for business customers emphasized celebrity appeal and occasionally invited speakers from the film world, including actors Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jessica Alba and George Clooney.

The format was scaled back in 2025, with the event reduced from two days to one. Film stars have not been part of the program since then.