Merz faces challenge as AfD seeks state speaker in Saxony-Anhalt

Germany's chancellor Friedrich Merz is confronting a test to his weakened coalition as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) aims to secure the state speaker position in Saxony-Anhalt in December. The move could produce the first far-right state premier since World War II.

CDU lawmakers in Saxony-Anhalt have been accused of voting for the AfD candidate in a secret ballot, prompting national party leaders to condemn the action. "The behavior of the CDU parliamentary group in Saxony-Anhalt with regard to past and upcoming elections is completely unacceptable," said Thomas Röwekamp, a CDU lawmaker who chairs the Bundestag's defense committee. He added that the AfD "wants to annihilate the CDU in Germany" and warned that the party must not allow division.

In response, Saxony-Anhalt CDU leader Sven Schulze announced that his party's legislators will leave the chamber during the first two rounds of secret voting to prevent any support for the AfD candidate. The party's strategy for a possible third round, where the AfD would need only a majority of votes cast, remains unclear.

AfD officials have openly called for defections from the CDU, describing the situation as a "capitulation" by the conservative party. "They’re afraid of elections," said AfD national co-leader Tino Chrupalla after the CDU's walk-out plan was announced.

Merz, whose approval ratings are low, faces pressure to contain the episode while pursuing his agenda on Ukraine aid and economic revival. Opposition parties have criticized the CDU's handling of the vote, with SPD Defense Minister Boris Pistorius linking the controversy to historic taboos.

The outcome of the December vote is seen as pivotal for the coalition's stability and for preventing an AfD breakthrough in eastern Germany.