Germany's Merz shocked by far-right state election triumph but doubles down on unpopular reforms
BERLIN — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz doubled down Monday on pushing through unpopular reforms to Europe’s largest economy after a far-right party surged to a landslide victory in a regional election, with a very good chance of forming the first far-right state government since the Nazi era. Merz said his center-right Christian Democratic Union was “deeply shocked” by what he called “the most…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remained resolute in his commitment to pursue unpopular reforms for Germany's largest economy following a far-right party's decisive win in a regional election. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its anti-migration and Russia-friendly stances, narrowly missed securing a majority in Saxony-Anhalt, an eastern state that had become a focal point for the AfD's ambitions.
Merz, deeply shaken by the CDU's (Christian Democratic Union) significant electoral setback, affirmed his determination to remain in power and stated that "giving up is not an option for me." Despite the AfD's victory being a major distraction for Germany and Merz at a time when Europe faces numerous challenges, he maintained that the nation would uphold its values and stance towards Russia.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Germany's Merz shocked by far-right state election triumph but doubles down on unpopular reforms koreatimes.co.kr
- Far-right AfD win signals shift in Germany, raises alarm in Europe pbs.org
- In Germany, AfD's performance in Saxony-Anhalt weakens Friedrich Merz lemonde.fr
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz: The sick man of Germany? euronews.com
