Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), announced on Friday that his party will continue to push forward with its reform agenda despite suffering a historic defeat in the recent state elections in North Rhine‑Westphalia. The CDU lost over 15 % of its vote share, falling to third place behind the Social Democrats and the Greens. In a televised address, Merz pledged to “revitalize our economic policies, strengthen public security, and modernize the education system,” while acknowledging the need to listen to voters’ concerns. Political analysts say the loss underscores growing frustration with the CDU’s traditional platform, but Merz’s resolve signals an attempt to re‑energize the party ahead of the upcoming federal election.
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