Far-right party AfD took first place in state elections in northeastern Germany on Sunday, exit polls showed, delivering a 'disaster' for Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who vowed to push ahead with his reform agenda. Merz has called for the implementation of planned federal reforms following state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, emphasizing his commitment to pushing the country forward. Acknowledging the challenges posed by the election results, Merz expressed confidence that the reforms' success would improve not only domestic social cohesion but also Germany's image on the international stage. #germany #afd #merz #elections #germanelections