German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged that the federal government will intervene if a potential far-right government in Saxony-Anhalt crosses constitutional boundaries or threatens the rights of minorities, Sky News reports.
Asked about concerns over the protection of minorities under a possible Alternative for Germany (AfD)-led state government, Merz said his administration would ensure that Germany’s constitution is upheld.
“If boundaries are crossed there, we as the federal government will do everything we can to rectify the situation,” the chancellor told reporters.
Merz also stressed that Saxony-Anhalt would be required to align its policies with federal government priorities, particularly on immigration.
“Even a state such as Saxony-Anhalt must act in accordance with federal policy,” he said.
“There may be some leeway in the implementation, but the broad outlines of policy are decided in Berlin, not in Magdeburg,” Merz added.
His comments came after the AfD secured a major victory in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election, raising the possibility that the party could play a central role in forming the next state government.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has won the regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, posting the best result of a far-right German party in a major election since the Second World War.
With 43.8% of the vote, the AfD fell short of an absolute majority, if only by three seats. It can't take over the state government without the support of other parties, but there is also no alternative majority among centrist parties, leaving the next state government in limbo.
Merz’s news conference ended shortly after he responded to the question about the federal government’s approach to a potential AfD-led administration.
By Vafa Guliyeva
