CDU suffers worst result since 1945

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's Christian Democratic Union scored just 5% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on Sunday, the party's lowest result in any state since World War II.

Far-right AfD makes major gains

The anti-migration, Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany party achieved significant gains in Sunday's elections, including a strong showing in Saxony-Anhalt where it has its best chance yet of forming a regional government.

Merz calls result a disaster but stays defiant

The chancellor acknowledged the CDU's loss as a disaster but rejected any retreat from his reform agenda, pledging to press ahead with backbone and steadfastness.

“"disaster"”

Merz argues reforms are now more urgent

He contends that Germany's economic stagnation and political problems make difficult and potentially unpopular reforms more necessary, not less, to turn around the country's fortunes.

Chancellor's authority already weakened

Merz became leader 16 months ago promising to revive a stagnant economy but has failed to improve the national mood and become deeply unpopular. His authority was damaged by the CDU's September defeat in Saxony-Anhalt.

Merz cancels UN trip, vows to stay on

Despite calls from within his own party to replace him and strong headwinds ahead, Merz abandoned a planned trip to New York for the UN General Assembly and repeatedly said he is determined to finish his term as chancellor.