https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/germany-s-merz-vows-to-press-ahead-with-reforms-after-historic-state-election-defeatContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/germany-s-merz-vows-to-press-ahead-with-reforms-after-historic-state-election-defeathttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/germany-s-merz-vows-to-press-ahead-with-reforms-after-historic-state-election-defeat#u79637Tue, 22 Sep 2026 05:25:21 +0000German Chancellor Friedrich Merz intends to remain in office and pursue government reforms following a "disaster" in two state elections on Sunday. Merz's party suffered its worst state result in postwar German history as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a north-eastern state and secured a second state victory. Despite the bruising electoral setbacks, Merz has doubled down on plans for potentially painful reforms.Why it mattersThe surge of the AfD reflects growing populist momentum in Germany. These results place significant pressure on the governing party to main