BERLIN (AP) — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated his commitment to implementing reforms in Germany's economy following a significant victory by the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), in a regional election. The AfD is now positioned to potentially form the first far-right state government in Germany since the Nazi era. Merz described the outcome as a profound defeat for his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), stating it was 'the most serious election defeat that the CDU has had for years, for decades.' He emphasized that he intends to remain in his position, asserting that 'giving up is not an option for me.'
The AfD fell short of a majority in the recent vote in Saxony-Anhalt, a small eastern state where the party has gained significant traction. The AfD is recognized by Germany's domestic intelligence agency as a right-wing extremist group. Merz expressed concerns about the implications of the AfD's success, particularly in light of ongoing challenges in Europe, including Russia's actions in Ukraine and relations with the United States. He reassured Germany's allies that the country's institutions remain stable and committed to its constitutional values.
Merz stated, 'We know that Germany carries special responsibility because of its history,' and reaffirmed his stance against Russia, emphasizing the need for Germany to defend its freedoms. Despite the AfD's rise, he maintained that his government would pursue necessary reforms to address the country's economic issues, including the pension system.
The AfD's victory has drawn attention from other far-right parties across Europe, and its candidate for governor in Saxony-Anhalt, Ulrich Siegmund, is seeking to establish a government. Siegmund indicated that the AfD does not intend to compromise its principles and is focused on building a stable majority in the state legislature. The party is currently three seats short of a majority and may seek support from other groups, including the hard-left BSW party.
In response to the election results, notable figures such as billionaire Elon Musk and Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev expressed their support for the AfD, with Musk congratulating the party and Dmitriev calling it a 'historic win' for the AfD. The political landscape in Germany remains complex as the country approaches additional regional elections in the near future.