Merz defies party pressure, vows to stay as German Chancellor after historic state election defeat

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced he will remain in office and as conservative leader despite his party's worst-ever result in a state election and mounting calls from peers to resign. The defiance signals a potential leadership crisis within the ruling party, with uncertain implications for coalition stability and policy continuity. The outcome underscores growing voter discontent and may foreshadow federal electoral challenges.