GERMANY

CDU fends off far-right AfD in Saxony-Anhalt state election

The election is a major political test for the CDU ahead of September's nationwide vote

Angela Merkel. Archive

H. J. I. / DW

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) will remain the largest party in Sachsen Anhalt's parliament, fending off a challenge from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), according to an exit poll released Sunday.

The state election was seen as a major political test for the CDU, as the AfD was originally projected to land an upset victory.