AfD Surge Puts Pressure on CDU and Coalition Government

The AfD’s breakthrough in Saxony‑Anhalt, where it captured roughly 44 % of the vote, left the CDU with just 17 %. The result rattled Merz’s party, prompting internal debates about his leadership. Analysts say a similar outcome in Berlin and Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern could intensify calls within the CDU for a change of direction, even as the coalition wrestles with disagreements over pension, health‑care and social‑welfare reforms.