The German chancellor pledged to forge ahead with an unpopular economic overhaul despite his collapsing popularity and a string of electoral routs.
Similar stories
5 outlets
See how this story developed, hour by hour
German Chancellor Merz vows to stay on despite 'disaster' in state election
bbc.co.uk
20.09.2026
Merz’s election setback: What it means for Germany?
france24.com
21.09.2026
Merz Vows to Stay as Far-Right AfD Extends Winning Streak in Germany
newsweek.com
20.09.2026
Germany's Merz vows to press ahead with reforms after historic state election defeat
npr.org
20.09.2026
Germany’s Merz girds for a post-election fight for political survival
politico.eu
18.09.2026
Related stories
‘National security threat’: Trump’s latest attack on US media
First UK charges brought over 1994 Rwanda genocide
Key ally urges Trump to back US farmers amid anger over rising prices
After 9 women murdered, police link 1 death to possible love triangle
Houthis move to seize strategic terrain after Trump calls off airstrikes at last minute
Trump promotes 'massive' Belarus potash deal to undercut Canada