Merz stands by reforms after AfD's historic win in Saxe-Anhalt

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed Monday to continue his reform agenda despite the AfD's historic election victory in Saxe-Anhalt, acknowledging his party's heavy defeat while promising to communicate his policies more effectively. The far-right AfD won nearly 44% of the vote in the eastern state, a major blow to Merz's CDU which secured only 17%, with the chancellor admitting responsibility for one of the party's worst losses in decades. The result marks the first time since 1945 that a far-right party is positioned to lead a German region, with AfD co-leader Alice Weidel targeting at least 40% in the 2029 federal elections.