Angela Merkel’s CDU beats far right in crucial German state election

Conservative win in Saxony-Anhalt seen as last big test ahead of national election in September

Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) fought off a challenge from the far right in a state election on Sunday seen as the last big test for Germany's political parties before a national vote in September that will end the chancellor's 16 years atop German politics.

The CDU, whose current leader, Armin Laschet, will vie for the top job in September, improved on its 2017 performance to gain 37% of the vote in the eastern state, according to public service broadcaster ARD early on Monday. Reiner Haseloff, the state premier, said the result symbolised a clear demarcation against the far right".