Merz vows reforms despite far-right win in Saxony-Anhalt

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed his commitment to unpopular economic reforms on Monday, despite the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieving a landslide victory in a regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, bringing it close to forming the first far-right state government since the Nazi era. Merz described the result as a "deeply shocking" and historic defeat for his Christian Democratic Union, but insisted that "giving up is not an option." He vowed to continue the reform course, emphasizing the need to defend freedom against Russia and maintain Germany's values, while acknowledging the government must better justify its policies to voters. The AfD, which fell three seats short of a majority, is seeking to form a government by courting individual lawmakers or the hard-left BSW party. The victory drew congratulations from international far-right figures, while Germany faces two more regional elections on Sept. 20.