#European Politics

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is doubling down on unpopular economic reforms despite a far-right party's landslide victory in a recent regional election. This victory, which could lead to the first far-right state government, underscores deep public dissatisfaction with the direction of Europe's largest economy.

Germany's far-right AfD has achieved a historic victory in the eastern state of Thuringia, projected to win 44.5% of the vote according to exit polls. This dominant performance significantly surpasses the conservative CDU's 18.5%, creating an unprecedented challenge for government formation and signaling a major shift in German politics.