Merz says AfD election win shows need for reform, defends Germany's democratic order.

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VIDEO SHOWS: GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ GIVES PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER BREAKTHROUGH RESULT FOR FAR-RIGHT AFD IN STATE ELECTIONS IN SAXONY-ANHALT.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: STORY WAS SENT AGAIN TO REMOVE DOUBLE-USE OF CUT-AWAY AT THE END OF STORY.

SHOTLIST ONLY. COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW

SHOWS: BERLIN, GERMANY (SEPTEMBER 7, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ AND CDU LEAD CANDIDATE FOR SAXONY-ANHALT STATE ELECTIONS SVEN SCHULZE COMING ON STAGE

2. MERZ AND SCHULZE AT LECTERN

3.(SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, SAYING:

"We must, of course, accept this; these are the rules of our democracy. However, yesterday marked a turning point not only in Saxony-Anhalt, but throughout Germany. And this election result will have consequences; it also has implications for the international situation. If you just look at who offered their congratulations yesterday, it shows the attention this election result is receiving internationally."

4. CAMERA CREWS

5. (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, SAYING:

"This message is also directed at our friends in Europe and around the world. We know that Germany bears a special responsibility because of its history. We will always uphold our political system and our firm roots in Europe."

6. MEDIA, MERZ AND SCHULZE AT LECTERN

7. (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, SAYING:

"How would a potential AfD-led state government deal with minority groups in Saxony-Anhalt? And if lines are crossed there, I can assure you that, from the Federal Government’s perspective, we will do everything in our power to rectify the situation. The Basic Law applies in Saxony-Anhalt too, even after the election of an AfD Minister-President."

8. PHOTOGRAPHER

9. (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, SAYING:

"Our country needs fundamental reforms. I fully agree with this statement, which is identical to the one made by the Vice-Chancellor and one of the two SPD party leaders in his speech to the Bertelsmann Foundation a few weeks ago. We need fundamental reforms in Germany."

10. MERZ AND SCHULZE

11. (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, SAYING:

"2,500 kilometres east of here, there is a particular delight with this election result. And that comes as no surprise when you consider all those who tried to promote and bring about this election result. And in that respect, we know exactly who we are dealing with here."

12. MERZ AND SCHULZE LISTENING TO QUESTION

13. (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, ASKED IF HE WILL CONSIDER RUNNING FOR THE NATIONAL ELECTION IN 2029 IF OPINION POLLS DROP FURTHER AND MORE STATE-ELECTIONS ARE LOST FOR CDU, SAYING:

"There are many things on my mind at the moment, but not the 2029 federal election. I am thinking very hard about how we can get back on track towards shared political success. Giving up is not an option for me."

14. MEDIA ATTENDEES

15. MERZ LEAVING