Germany's Merz vows to press on with reforms after historic state election defeat

Semafor · The Independent · first seen 21.09.2026

German leader Friedrich Merz vowed to continue with his economic reform agenda despite his CDU party suffering a historic regional election defeat, recording its worst result in 80 years 16 months into his tenure.

Friedrich Merz vowed to press on with economic reforms following a historic state election defeat.
Merz took office 16 months ago promising to reignite a stalled German economy.
Polling stations opened for two German regional elections.
The results could impact Chancellor Friedrich Merz's hold on power.
The CDU suffered its worst regional election result in 80 years.
Elections took place across German regions on Sunday.