Far-right AfD wins again as Germany's Merz slides

In a surprising turn of events, Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured another victory, marking the third state election it has won in recent months. This time, the ruling center-right Christian Democratic Union, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, was shut out of a state parliament for the first time. Merz's party has struggled with low approval ratings, highlighting a significant shift in voter sentiment. The AfD's growing strength signals a deepening divide in German politics, posing challenges for coalition-building among the major parties, who remain reluctant to collaborate with the far-right group.