AfD's Stunning Lead: A Watershed Moment for German Politics? The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's strong showing in Saxony Anhalt's regional election has sent shockwaves through the country.
The party's lead, with approximately 44% of the vote, more than double its showing five years ago, threatens to shatter the long standing "firewall" that has kept mainstream parties from working with the far right.
The CDU, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party, is reeling after losing nearly half its support since the last election. Its poor performance raises questions about its ability to remain a viable force in German politics.