Merz vows to continue reforms despite far-right surge in Saxony-Anhalt German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to press on with unpopular economic reforms following a significant defeat to the far-right AfD party in Saxony-Anhalt. While shocked by the outcome, Merz insists the government must remain firm on its course to ensure future prosperity and defend German democracy against extremist influences. BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz doubled down Monday on pushing through unpopular reforms to Europe's largest economy after a far-right party surged to a landslide victory, saying "giving up is not an option for me. " The anti-migration and Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany, or AfD, fell just short of a majority in Sunday's vote in Saxony-Anhalt, a small eastern state that gained outsized prominence as AfD eyed power there. Its regional branch is one of several considered a proven right-wing extremist group by Germany's domestic intelligence agency.AfD's victory is a major distraction for Germany and Merz at a time when Europe faces several challenges, including Russia's continued aggression in Ukraine and the Middle East turmoil. Merz, while expressing shock at the defeat, vowed to stick to his reform course and defend Germany's democratic values against extremism