Opposition leader Friedrich Merz denounced the Alternative for Germany as a destructive force following its significant victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
During a confrontation in the Bundestag, Merz criticized Alice Weidel’s migration policies, characterizing them as a threat to the labor market that would compromise essential services.
The AfD secured 44 percent of the vote in the eastern state, while the Christian Democratic Union's support was halved.
Although the AfD fell short of a majority, the result marks the first time a far-right party has neared state power in Germany since World War Two.
The surge has garnered public endorsement from United States President Donald Trump, who highlighted the impact of current immigration regulations.
The immediate consequence is a fundamental shift in the German political landscape, compelling mainstream parties to navigate a reshaped coalition structure and a more prominent far-right presence in federal debates.
