Germany's Merz shocked by far-right state election triumph but doubles down on unpopular reforms
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is pushing through unpopular economic reforms despite a major political shift: a far-right party won a regional election by a large margin and is positioned to lead a state government for the first time. Rather than changing course in response to the far-right's gains, Merz has decided to continue with his reform agenda.

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1 viewpointGermany's Merz shocked by far-right state election triumph but doubles down on unpopular reforms
Landslide victory for Germany's far-right AfD in state election piles pressure on Chancellor Merz
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Landslide victory for Germany’s far-right AfD in state election piles pressure on Chancellor Merz