A slap in the face for Germany’s government

When the first figures appeared on the large screens at the AfD’s election-night headquarters in Magdeburg, the party’s supporters erupted. German flags waved as applause and cheers filled the room.

Yet the mood became more cautious only minutes later. Asked whether he would become the state’s next premier, the leading candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, offered no confident declaration.

Germany now stands on the brink of having its first far-right head of government at state level. But the numbers remain uncertain, and the evening is expected to remain tense until the outcome is clear.

For Friedrich Merz, the result points to difficult times ahead. For the European Union, it raises the prospect of fresh uncertainty, the commentary says.