Election results

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to stay in office despite historic CDU losses in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania elections.

CDU's historic losses

CDU failed to secure parliamentary seats in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and scored 19 percent in Berlin.

AfD gains

AfD achieved narrow lead of 37 percent in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania against 35 percent for SPD.

Die Linke victory

Die Linke party won Berlin with 25 percent against CDU's 19 percent.

Merz's response

Merz vowed to stay the course despite low approval ratings and internal party pressure.

Merz's commitment

Merz committed to pursuing reforms to gain voter trust and address political fragmentation in Germany.

Political context

Merz acknowledged trust in institutions is waning and being undermined by radical parties on both left and right.

Economist analysis

ING economist Carsten Brzeski called Merz's address an attempt to choke off resignation speculation.

AfD's claim

AfD national co-leader Alice Weidel called the party the strongest force reaching mainstream population.

“We are the strongest force and have reached the mainstream of the population”

Voter sentiment

Berlin voter Moritz Lembke-Oezer hoped CDU would be punished and Merz would leave office.

Merz's challenges

Merz faces low approval ratings and struggles to push through economic reforms with coalition partners.

Political fragmentation

Elections highlight increasing political fragmentation with right-wing and left-wing populist parties gaining ground.