Merz calls CDU's Saxony-Anhalt election result the 'heaviest defeat' for his party

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly acknowledged on September 7, 2026 that the CDU's result in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections of September 6 represents the heaviest defeat for his party, calling the outcome deeply disappointing. The elections in the eastern German state saw the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieve strong results, continuing a trend of gains in Germany's eastern states.

Election result and reaction

The AfD came first or recorded significant gains in Saxony-Anhalt, a state that borders Poland. Merz, whose CDU has governed at the federal level since his coalition took office, said the result was unacceptable and called on the party to reflect and renew its approach. The AfD's success in eastern Germany has been a recurring concern for mainstream parties, with the party drawing votes on issues including migration policy and economic discontent.

Broader context

The result follows similar setbacks for the CDU and mainstream parties in other German eastern states. Poland's presidential chief of staff also expressed concern over the AfD's performance. The Saxony-Anhalt result adds pressure on Merz's leadership and the CDU's strategic direction as Germany prepares for upcoming political challenges. Merz has previously attempted to take a firmer line on migration to reduce the AfD's appeal, but the strategy has met with mixed results.