# Germany's chancellor holds firm after state election losses

> Friedrich Merz faces pressure as far-right gains ground in regional votes.
- Title: Germany's chancellor holds firm after state election losses
- Summary: Friedrich Merz faces pressure as far-right gains ground in regional votes. Germany's chancellor is resisting calls to change course despite his party's poor…
- Keywords: germany, friedrich merz, state elections, far-right gains, chancellor, political pressure, election results, news, Germany's, holds, firm, state
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/21/g-s1-144231/germany-state-elections-merz
- Published: 2026-09-21T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: germany, friedrich merz, state elections, far-right gains, chancellor, political pressure, election results, news
## German chancellor faces election setback
Friedrich Merz's party suffered losses in recent state elections while far-right parties gained significant ground across the country.
## Merz refuses to change course
Despite the poor results, the chancellor is standing firm on his current policies and leadership direction rather than shifting strategy.
## Far-right momentum grows
The election results show far-right parties are gaining traction with voters across multiple German states, adding to political pressure on Merz.
## Pressure mounts on leadership
Critics are calling for the chancellor to reconsider his approach, but Merz is resisting demands to change his strategy in response to the losses.
## Europe watches German politics
The state election results and Merz's response have implications for Germany's political direction and broader European stability.
## Key takeaway

Germany's chancellor is resisting calls to change course despite his party's poor performance in state elections where far-right parties made significant gains.