Merkel's 'heart bleeds' after AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt

Key Points:

• Former Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed deep concern over the far-right AfD's victory and the CDU's decline in Saxony-Anhalt, warning against emotions overshadowing facts in politics.
• Germany's latest PISA results revealed historically low academic performance among 15-year-olds, sparking calls from Education Minister Karin Prien and others for urgent reforms to address widening social divides and educational shortcomings.
• Germany plans to send additional Patriot missiles and other military support to Ukraine to strengthen its air defenses against Russian attacks, as announced by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
• Renewable energy accounted for nearly 60% of Germany's electricity production in the first half of 2026, with wind power as the largest contributor, while coal and natural gas remain significant but declining sources.
• Public protests against the AfD continue, exemplified by a large demonstration in Cologne with around 9,000 participants advocating to stop right-wing extremism and strengthen democracy.