Angela Merkel calls AfD election victory turning point

Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has described the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)’s victory in the Saxony-Anhalt election as a major turning point for the country.

Speaking during a stage discussion with academic and journalist Miriam Meckel in Cologne, Merkel said the result marked “a turning point, a real turning point” in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, Der Spiegel reports. 

“As a member of the CDU, it breaks my heart; I must be honest about that,” Merkel added.

Merkel also said other political parties should take into account the AfD’s growing success on social media.

By Sabina Mammadli