Germany's Merz vows to press on with reforms despite state election losses to far-right AfD

In a surprising turn of events, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party faced significant losses in two state elections, particularly to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Despite these setbacks, Merz remains committed to pushing forward with economic reforms that could be unpopular with many voters. The election results underscore the growing influence of the AfD and the challenges facing the traditional parties as they navigate economic pressures and political shifts in Europe's largest economy. These electoral trends could reshape the political landscape and impact Germany's role in the EU.