On 2026-09-07, German media focused on the aftermath of the AfD's historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt. The morning was dominated by the final results and the CDU's crisis, with Chancellor Merz facing mounting pressure. By midday, Merz publicly admitted the CDU had suffered its 'heaviest defeat in decades' and was 'deeply shocked', while CDU's Schulze suggested the AfD had a government mandate. In the afternoon, internal CDU power struggles emerged, with Sepp Müller announcing his candidacy for state party leadership. Throughout the day, commentators debated the implications for the 'Brandmauer' and the future of German politics, with some calling for its fall. The AfD's Siegmund faced scrutiny over a Nazi comparison at a press conference, and international reactions highlighted concerns about the far-right's rise.