If the AfD failed to secure a majority, not sure you can make the argument that the "German people" want a new direction.So the so-called Nazi party in Germany just doubled their share of the vote and got almost 21%, 2nd place after the CDU. The left coalition took a heavy hit. Its clear to me the German people want a new direction. 84% of them came out to vote, that's a massive turnout. The CDU better smarten up and listen.
It does signal a general move to the right that is now being seen in most countries of the world.
I agree with your second part of the sentence that the CDU better smarten up and listen and go one step further to take all actions necessary to crush AfD so they are not a factor in future elections.