Germany’s Merz ‘deeply shocked’ at far-right election win, doubles down on unpopular agenda
After AfD's landslide in Saxony-Anhalt, the chancellor says reform "determination is unbroken," even as his party lost half its support.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed shock over the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's landslide victory in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election. The AfD, known for anti-migration and Russia-friendly stances, fell short of a majority but is seen as a potential path to power. Merz vowed to push through unpopular reforms in Europe's largest economy, despite the election results being a major distraction and a risk to Germany's alliances.
He emphasized that "giving up is not an option" and that Germany must defend its freedom against Russia, a stance supported by Ukraine and other European nations. Despite the party's divisive history, AfD congratulated itself and promised to seek a stable majority to form a government.
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