German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to remain in office despite disappointing exit polls in two local elections for his centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party.
In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the CDU was initially forecasted to suffer its worst election result ever, but later projections showed the party dipping below the 5% threshold required to remain in parliament. Merz described the situation as “a disaster” for the party. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) was set to receive the highest number of votes in the region, though it is unlikely to form a government due to other parties refusing to collaborate with it. In Berlin, the CDU was expected to be outperformed by Die Linke (The Left).
Merz faces increasing pressure, with his approval ratings plummeting amid speculation he could be replaced mid-term.
Voting took place on Sunday, following a significant defeat for the CDU in Saxony-Anhalt two weeks earlier, when the AfD achieved a major victory. Despite the setbacks, Merz vowed to push ahead with economic, tax, and welfare reforms, stating, “The reforms have to come.” He expressed his commitment to moving the country forward and emphasised the need for “backbone, steadfastness and patience” in his roles as party chairman and chancellor.
AfD national co-leader Alice Weidel claimed her party is the strongest force and has gained mainstream support. Parts of the AfD are classified as right-wing extremist by domestic intelligence, a label the party disputes. Nevertheless, its anti-immigration and pro-Russian stance has resonated particularly in the former East Germany.
