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.”