The far-right AfD's triumph in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt marks a defeat for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and sends a warning to other European leaders battling the same mixture of slow growth and disillusion with mainstream politics. In an increasingly polarized politic
al system, Merz, whose personal approval ratings have sunk to record lows, was one of the main targets of voter ire over the cost of living, pensions and economic insecurity. France 24’s Philip Turle takes a look at what the AfD’s victory means for the German leader and for Europe.