AfD Surges in Germany’s East | Europe News

The AfD’s stunning surge in Saxony-Anhalt sends shockwaves through Germany and Europe, exposing deep voter frustration with Chancellor Merz’s leadership amid economic pain and security fears. Though falling short of a majority, the far-right party’s victory is hailed as a “watershed moment,” fueled by a TikTok-savvy candidate promising a nostalgic, safer Germany — even as he’s branded extremist. Merz clings to his refusal to partner with AfD, but his plummeting approval ratings and internal party doubts reveal cracks in his strategy. Across Europe, from France to Germany, leaders are sounding alarms about a rising populist tide, as voters in the east turn to AfD for answers on cost-of-living crises and national direction — forcing Berlin to confront whether its post-WWII model still works. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/eac34e09c85e8100