Merz to respond as Germany’s far-right AfD wins key state election – Europe live

• The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party celebrated a strong performance in the Saxony-Anhalt state elections, though they failed to secure a majority in the parliament. • Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani described the result as "terrible news" because the AfD represents a political force opposite to liberal and western values.

• Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed its naval forces attacked a US-operated drone boat in the Strait of Hormuz. • Lawmaker Fathollah Tavassoli stated on Sunday that Tehran will not be forced into negotiations through sanctions or threats from the US and Europe.

• Forty-four state attorneys general, including Pennsylvania's, are challenging federal officials who argue that states cannot regulate prediction markets where people bet on political outcomes. • The Anti-Corruption Data Collective found that more than $18,000 was spent last year on bets regarding Pennsylvania's Supreme, Superior, and Commonwealth court judicial elections.

• Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok called for a constitutional amendment to reform South Korea's power structure during his first negotiation group speech. • Kim stated that the party intends to pursue reforms to the extent desired by the public to ensure a more balanced distribution of authority.

• The National Election Commission special prosecutor team officially launched today to investigate 12 suspicions regarding the June 3 local elections. • The team will spend up to 150 days investigating specific allegations including rigged voter turnout and a shortage of ballot papers.

• Japan plans to use official development assistance to upgrade fishing ports in Indonesia to support coast guard patrol vessel stops. • Japanese government sources announced the plan on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

• EVA Air will increase excess baggage fees and revise international baggage charges starting September 29. • Charges for an extra checked bag on flights to and from Taiwan will rise to between US$160 and US$390, compared to the previous range of US$140 to US$300.

• The Jharkhand state government cancelled all scheduled programs and closed all government offices on September 7. • An official notification confirmed that hearings related to the special intensive revision of electoral rolls for that date were also postponed.

• Laos and Vietnam are expanding their economic partnership to increase cooperation in sectors like renewable energy, telecommunications, and mineral processing. • Vietnam Airlines is providing a 15 per cent fare discount for passengers aged 60 and older on domestic Economy Class tickets booked via its website.

• The Trump administration filed a third appeal to the Supreme Court to allow the enforcement of mail ballot restrictions for the November elections. • The filing follows a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to extend an order blocking the Postal Service from enforcing the president's executive order.

• Labor frontbencher Mark Butler rejected Coalition claims that a proposed opt-out algorithm for social media feeds amounts to censorship. • The plan is part of digital duty of care legislation that aims to give Australians more choice over the content they see online.