Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to remain in office following a significant electoral defeat for his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) made substantial gains. Although the AfD did not secure an outright majority, their success has raised concerns about the potential for a far-right government in Germany for the first time since the Nazi era.
Merz acknowledged the impact of his low approval ratings on the election outcome and emphasized the need for improved communication with voters. He reaffirmed his commitment to reform and maintaining Germany's values, despite the challenges posed by the AfD's rise and its implications for the political landscape in the country.