# Merz grateful as SPD backs coalition after CDU losses

> German chancellor Friedrich Merz says he is grateful the centre-left Social Democrats want to remain in coalition with his conservatives after heavy state election losses for his CDU party.
- Title: Merz grateful as SPD backs coalition after CDU losses
- Summary: German chancellor Friedrich Merz says he is grateful the centre-left Social Democrats want to remain in coalition with his conservatives after heavy state…
- Keywords: friedrich merz, cdu, spd, german coalition, state elections, germany, news, world, Merz, grateful, backs, coalition
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/world/live/2026/sep/21/merz-german-chancellor-state-elections-russia-ukraine-europe-live-latest-news
- Published: 2026-09-21T15:02:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: friedrich merz, cdu, spd, german coalition, state elections, germany, news, world
## CDU suffers heavy losses in state elections
German chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU party has suffered a dramatic setback in state elections, prompting questions about the stability of his government.
## SPD signals commitment to coalition
The centre-left Social Democrats have told Merz they intend to remain part of the coalition government in Berlin despite the CDU's poor election performance.
## Merz expresses relief at SPD decision
At a press conference, Merz said he is grateful the Social Democrats want to stay in coalition. I am grateful that we have heard from the Social Democrats this morning that they intend to remain part of the coalition in Berlin.

> I am grateful that we have heard from the Social Democrats this morning that they intend to remain part of the coalition in Berlin.
## Both parties committed to historic challenges
Merz said both the CDU and SPD are determined to face the historic challenges and responsibilities facing Germany together as a coalition government.

> Together, we are determined to rise to the historic challenges facing our country.
## Coalition stakes framed as democratic future
Merz framed the coalition's continuation as essential to Germany's democratic future, saying it is about nothing less than the country's democratic future.

> It is about nothing less, and nothing more, than the democratic future of our country.
## Key takeaway

German chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed gratitude that the centre-left SPD wants to stay in coalition with his CDU after the party suffered heavy losses in state elections.