Saxony premier quits as AfD takes second in regional vote

Saxon premier Michael Kretschmer announced he was stepping down as state premier after his party suffered heavy losses in a regional election.

Kretschmer, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said he would not form a new government after his party came third in the election, behind the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). The AfD finished second, with 27.5% of the vote, its best result in any regional election.

Kretschmer said he was "deeply disappointed" by the result and that he would take responsibility for his party's losses. He said he would remain as leader of the CDU in Saxony, but would not seek re-election as state premier.

The AfD's success in Saxony is a sign of the growing popularity of far-right parties in Germany. The party has been gaining support in recent years, particularly in eastern Germany, where it has tapped into anger over immigration and economic inequality.

The AfD's success in Saxony is also a blow to Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has been trying to contain the rise of the far right. Merkel has condemned the AfD as a "party of hate" and has urged voters to reject its message.

The AfD's success in Saxony is a reminder of the challenges facing Germany as it grapples with the rise of the far right. The party's growing popularity is a sign that many Germans are dissatisfied with the status quo and are looking for alternatives to the mainstream parties.