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.
8 across the spectrum. Choose a side on the bar to jump to it.
National story. 11 articles from 9 sources. 8 are on the bar; 1 is an international, entertainment or tech outlet, listed separately. Updated Sep 8, 2026.
Part of The far right's state election win in Germany and Merz's response
Left
1 sourceSame wire story as other sides. No original Left take here.
Germany'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
Center
5 sourcesGermany's Merz 'shocked' by far-right state win but vows to stay course
Right
2 sourcesMerz vows to continue reforms after far-right German state election win
Landslide victory for Germany’s far-right AfD in state election piles pressure on Chancellor Merz
Other outlets
International, entertainment and tech outlets, by their rating. Not counted in the bar above. How we count coverage
Left
0 articlesNone
Center
1 articleRight
0 articlesNone