Friedrich Merz Promised to Halve the AfD. It Has Now Doubled Its Result

Friedrich Merz was not on the ballot in Saxony-Anhalt, and critics say the German chancellor was almost hidden during the campaign. Yet many now hold him responsible for what the article describes as the Union's electoral disaster.

Merz once entered office promising to halve the Alternative for Germany's support. Instead, the AfD more than doubled its result in Saxony-Anhalt. Nearly 90 percent of respondents in a ZDF survey reportedly believe better federal policies could have prevented the AfD's triumph.

After the CDU's historic defeat, Merz appeared before the press on Monday. The ZEIT podcast examines what the result could mean for the chancellor, his government and his reform agenda. The central question is whether the defeat will push him to change course.

“

I once promised to halve the AfD.

The AfD enters the new state parliament three seats short of an absolute majority. A coalition to keep it out is mathematically possible, but would require the CDU, SPD, Greens, Left and BSW to cooperate, a prospect described as barely conceivable. AfD lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund had previously said he wanted to govern alone, but after the election he announced that he would extend a hand to all the other parties.

The podcast explores the AfD's possible routes to power and what could happen if it cannot find a governing majority. It also considers the role of the BSW, which unexpectedly entered the state parliament. Separately, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Germany's consulate general in St. Petersburg would close until Sept. 18 in response to German sanctions imposed after the drone attack on Leipzig airport.

“

I will extend a hand to all the other parties.