Landslide victory for Germany’s far-right AfD in state election piles pressure on Chancellor Merz

BERLIN (AP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was facing pressure Monday after the far-right Alternative Germany (AfD) party swept to a landslide victory in a regional election, possibly paving the way for the first right-wing populist state administration since the Nazi era.

AfD, classified by Germany's domestic intelligence agency as an extremist group in some regions of the country, fell just short of a majority in Sunday's election in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt.

Since of Germany's Nazi past, far-right movements have always come under robust scrutiny, with the other major parties maintaining a firewall against any form of cooperation. Unlike most countries in Europe, modern Germany hasn't yet had a far-right or right-wing populist party leading a national, state or major-city administration.

Merz, who leads the center-right Christian Democrats, came to power vowing to weaken AfD, but was unable to deliver on his promise.

AfD's solid victory is a major distraction for Germany and Merz at a time when Europe faces a number of challenges, including Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine, a suspected sabotage campaign targeting NATO countries, and tough dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump. Far-right parties throughout Europe cheered the result.

In short, landslide victory for Germanys far-right AfD in state election piles pressure on is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.