Merz stumped as pro-Putin AfD storms to victory? German Chancellor’s 1st reaction after poll shocker

Friedrich Merz has delivered a stark response to the AfD's historic Saxony-Anhalt election result, admitting Germany had reached a “turning point” after his CDU suffered what he called its most serious defeat in decades. But the Chancellor also pointed east, saying there was “particular delight” 2,500 kilometres away and warning that Russia seeks to destabilise the West. Merz vowed he would not “budge one millimeter” on supporting Ukraine despite the electoral shock and promised fundamental reforms at home. With voters delivering a devastating verdict, can Merz keep confronting Putin without further strengthening the AfD?