Friedrich Merz Says Shocked After AfD's Victory in Germany

German government leader Friedrich Merz said on Monday he was "deeply shocked" by the victory of the ultra-rightist AfD in the regional election in Sachsen-Anhalt. The statement came after meetings with CDU leaders in Berlin, where the politician admitted that the outcome would have national repercussions. "Since yesterday, not only Saxony-Anhalt has changed, but the whole of Germany," he said. “This election result will have consequences,” he said.

The election, held last Sunday, consolidated the AfD as the dominant political force in the state, with 43.8% of the vote — more than double the previous performance. Merz’s CDU got only 17.2%, a drop of 20 percentage points from the last regional election. Merz himself called the result "the hardest electoral defeat of the CDU in decades."

Historical defeat shakes the CDU

The performance in Sachsen-Anhalt represents a negative milestone for the conservative party, which historically dominated the region. The difference of more than 26 percentage points for the AfD shows a drastic turnaround in the local electorate. Political analysts point out that dissatisfaction with the stagnant economy and internal divisions in the ruling coalition have contributed to the wear of the legend.

Merz acknowledged that his own public image was a relevant factor in the campaign. "I know that I, personally, was a constant theme in this election campaign," he said, in a tone of self-criticism. The statement signals that the German leader is aware of the impact of his low voter ratings.

Internal and external pressure increases

The negative result raised pressure on Merz, not only from the far right, but also from within his coalition. The government has been struggling to reheat a stagnant economy and is divided on social policy issues, especially with regard to retirements. These internal tensions may worsen after the electoral setback.

By taking over the leadership of the German government in 2025, Merz promised to restore the CDU to its conservative roots and initiated stringent measures against irregular immigration while trying to recover the economy. However, their popularity rates remain low, which is now directly reflected in the party’s electoral performance.

Regional elections on the horizon

Merz recalled that in two weeks regional elections will be held in Berlin and in Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. He said that after these elections, an analysis will be carried out in his party and in his governing coalition on what can be done differently. The statement indicates that the German leader intends to use the next results as a thermometer for possible changes in course.

The sequence of regional defeats may further weaken Merz’s position within the CDU and coalition. If the results in Berlin and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania follow the Sachsen-Anhalt trend, the pressure for changes in leadership or political strategy should increase significantly.

Impact for Germany and Europe

The rise of the AfD in a traditionally conservative state is a wake-up call for the German and European political landscape. The strengthening of the ultra-right can influence debates on immigration, the economy and European integration. Merz said the outcome "will have consequences", but did not detail what measures he intends to take.

For the Brazilian electorate, the German case serves as an example of how economic dissatisfaction and political polarization can reconfigure the electoral map in consolidated democracies. The situation may also impact trade and diplomatic relations between Brazil and Germany, especially if there are changes in the foreign policy of the German government.

The Boca no Trombone Portal will continue to monitor the unfolding of the German regional elections and their reflections on the international scene. Stay tuned for the next updates.

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