Merz insists he will stay as German chancellor despite heavy losses in state elections – Europe live

Friedrich Merz has announced his intention to remain as German chancellor following significant electoral setbacks for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in two regional elections. The results include a notable decline in support within the home state of former leader Angela Merkel, where the party secured only 4.9 percent of the vote.

The electoral losses represent a challenging period for the party's leadership. These domestic political developments are occurring concurrently with international reports regarding the results of Russia’s lower-house elections, in which Vladimir Putin’s party has maintained its position.