German Chancellor Merz Seeks to Shore Up Support After CDU Losses to AfD in State Elections

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to shore up support for his chancellorship among senior members of his Christian Democratic Union after the party's losses in two state elections, according to The Guardian.

The Guardian reported that Merz held an early meeting with CDU leadership in Berlin on Monday and dismissed speculation over his position, saying it was vital for the country's "democratic future" that he and his coalition government remain in place.

According to the outlet, Merz has vowed that his coalition government will continue pursuing what it described as an unpopular reform agenda despite the setbacks.