German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was under pressure Monday after his party was defeated by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD, which Germany's domestic intelligence agency has classified as an extremist group in some regions of the country, fell just short of a majority in Sunday's vote.

While the election was regional, it carries major national implications. Merz had vowed to weaken the AfD when he took office, and the outcome shows he has not been able to fulfill that promise. The result could allow the AfD to lead the first far-right state government since the Nazi era.

The AfD's strong performance is also seen as a significant distraction for Germany and Merz at a time when Europe faces several challenges, including.