The Alternative for Germany achieved an expressive victory in Sunday's elections in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, in eastern Germany. Despite the resounding result, the far-right party does not have a sufficient majority to govern alone, remaining dependent on coalition partners.
The result caused a shock to the German political system. The "firewall" strategy, which aims to keep the far right away from power, is being questioned by its robustness. Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union, acknowledged that the result is "traumatic" and admitted that the political center is facing the ruins of its previous approach.
The far-right leader has already called for the German chancellor's resignation. Merz, however, will not resign, assuming that Germany needs to respond to this result with "fundamental changes." Merz's party did not achieve the desired result in these elections, increasing the pressure on the German political center.
